May 1, 2023 - Minutes
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General Purposes Committee
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Date: |
Monday, May 1, 2023 |
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Place: |
Council Chambers |
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Present: |
Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair
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Call to Order: |
The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. |
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MINUTES |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on April 17, 2023, be adopted as circulated. |
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CARRIED |
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ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION |
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1. |
CHANGES IN PROVINCIAL LEGISLATION NEEDED TO ADDRESS GAS UTILITIES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA (File Ref. No. 10-6000-00) (REDMS No. 7185313) |
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A brief discussion ensued with respect to low carbon energy systems. Staff noted 75% of current development in Richmond is effectively occurring in city centre, which is caught by the district energy system, currently using low carbon. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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(1) |
That, as described in the report titled ‘Changes in Provincial Legislation Needed to Address Gas Utilities in British Columbia’ from the Director, Sustainability & District Energy, dated March 17, 2023: |
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(a) |
Letters be sent to the Premier, the Minister of Municipal Affairs, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, the Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation and to local Members of the Legislative Assembly, asking the Government of British Columbia to |
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(i) |
reform the British Columbia Utilities Commission in the context of a changing climate as noted in the report; and |
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(ii) |
urgently enact legislation that regulates greenhouse gas emissions from gas utilities; and |
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(b) |
Letters be sent to Metro Vancouver, Metro Vancouver member local governments, the City of Victoria and the District of Saanich requesting their support by sending letters to the Office of the Premier, the Minister of Municipal Affairs, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and the Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation accordingly. |
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CARRIED |
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CAO’S OFFICE |
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2. |
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION UPDATE (File Ref. No. 01-0152-01) (REDMS No. 7120015) |
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Discussion ensued with respect to the role and responsibilities intended in hiring a Manager, Indigenous Relations, in particular, (i) liaise and work collaboratively with First Nation groups, stakeholders and community partners, (ii) establish a work plan to address the City’s commitment to truth and reconciliation, and (iii) develop steps necessary for implementation. |
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In response to queries from the Committee, staff noted (i) in addition to the City’s recognition as a statutory holiday, staff are currently exploring opportunities for event initiatives to further educate and acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, (ii) 8 of the 16 calls for action that pertain to local government, as noted in the report, have been identified as a starting point to move forward, and (iii) an updated Flags Policy for Council’s endorsement is forthcoming. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the report titled “Truth and Reconciliation Update”, dated April 11, 2023, from the Director, Intergovernmental Relations and Corporate and Strategic Planning, be endorsed. |
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CARRIED Opposed: Cllrs. Day Heed |
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ADJOURNMENT |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the meeting adjourn (4:42 p.m.). |
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CARRIED |
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Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Monday, May 1, 2023. |
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Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie |
Lorraine Anderson |