December 15, 2025 - Minutes

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair
Councillor Chak Au
Councillor Carol Day
Councillor Laura Gillanders
Councillor Kash Heed
Councillor Andy Hobbs
Councillor Alexa Loo
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Michael Wolfe

Claudia Jesson, Corporate Officer

Call to Order:

Mayor Brodie opened the proceedings at 5:30 p.m.

1.

RICHMOND ZONING BYLAW 8500, AMENDMENT BYLAW 10721 (RZ 25-005701)

(File Ref. No. RZ 25-005701) (REDMS No. 8181658, 8181738)

Applicant’s Comments:

Jo Ann Tait, Vice President, Vancouver Coastal Health - Richmond Community, provided an overview of the proposed redeveloped long term care facility, to include 144 long term care beds, 14 hospice beds, an adult daycare program, childcare space and overnight respite, providing all its residents the ability to live in place with autonomy, choice and supportive healthcare.  Current timelines anticipate opening of the proposed facility November 2029.

Darren Bryson, Chief Project Officer, representing Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), spoke to the extensive dialogue undertaken with the community and incorporated into the design, e.g., addressing light and shadowing concerns to minimize the effect to other buildings, and moving sightlines away from adjacent residences and towards open space.  Mr. Bryson further noted (i) it is not possible to fulfill the modern health care standards and social model of care without the proposed eight storey design, (ii) the development design meets and exceeds bylaw requirements for parking, (iii) the road network study concluded the road networks can support the facility, (iv) accessibility will be improved with new sidewalks, park pathways and all the frontage improvements, as requested by the City, and (v) have been incorporating all input throughout the design process to the extent to minimize its impact on the neighbouring community.

In response to a query from Council regarding Council’s recent request to VCH to retain the current temporary location, Bridgeport Lions Manor, permanently for the provision of continued long-term care, Ms. Tait reported the VCH Board did sign a lease to continue providing the 144 beds through January 2029, and that the Board is currently in discussion with the Provincial Government to retain those beds beyond then.

Written Submissions:

Linda Carriere (Schedule 1)

Cathy Sichewski (Schedule 2)

Christine Marin, President, CFUW Richmond (Schedule 3)

Doug Aandra Currie Shearer and Douglas Shearer (Schedule 4)

Darcie Light, Jason Light and Shirley Light (Schedule 4)

Tommy Leung (Schedule 5)

Jamie Montgomery (Schedule 6)

Vinicius Cid (Schedule 7)

Submissions from the floor:

Dave Semple, Richmond resident, expressed the importance of the proposed eight storey development for the community, and reiterated the necessity for the Bridgeport Lions Manor to continue as a permanent (additional) facility to address the increasing need for long-term care in Richmond.

Charan Gill, Chair, and Donna Sargent, Vice-Chair, The Maples Residences, Steveston, spoke in support of the proposed development and to the immediate and rapidly increasing need for long-term care in Richmond, critical in providing seniors the opportunity to age in place.  The crisis that many seniors and their families are facing was outlined, noting the extensive waitlist for long-term care beds, placing an enormous strain on the physical, mental and financial well being of those individuals, their families, caregivers, health care system and staff, and that the proposed campus of care in Steveston is critical to ensure that as needs change, there is a smooth transition from independent living, to assisted living to long-term care.

Jennifer West, on behalf of the Richmond Division of Family Practice (a not-for-profit organization), expressed strong support for the redevelopment of Richmond Lions Manor in Steveston, echoing the comments of previous speakers regarding the many benefits of the project for the community, and noted that the increasing demand for long term care and hospice services continues to exceed capacity in the community, patients are waiting too long for appropriate placements and families are struggling to support loved ones without adequate resources.  Ms. West further noted the additional long-term care and hospice beds proposed through the redevelopment is essential to maintaining both the quality of life for patients and the sustainability within the health care system as a whole.

Dr. Lisa Nakajima, family physician and Board Chair, Richmond Division of Family Practice, spoke on behalf of the Board from the perspective of primary care, noting strong support for the project which responds directly to the urgent and growing needs in the community as Richmond’s population is rapidly aging and the demand for long term care and hospice services continues to exceed capacity, which is seen every day by family physicians of patients who are waiting too long for appropriate care and placement which lands on the family to help and support them with inadequate resources.  Additionally, the inclusion of the adult day program and childcare further strengthens the project by supporting caregivers, promoting intergenerational connections and helping families stay resilient.

Dan Levitt, BC Seniors Advocate, expressed strong support for the project and outlined the key tasks his office undertakes in monitoring, analysing and making recommendations to government with respect to improving support services and programs for seniors.  Mr. Levitt noted the vast majority of seniors would like to age at home however many will require 24-hour support and nursing services, which is especially troubling due to the rapid increase in the seniors (baby boomer) population that has started to rely more heavily on public services to support aging.  An overview of the provincial average of seniors waiting for long-term care beds was provided, noting a 200% increase within the last decade, faced with a 98% increase in wait times over the past seven years.  In closing, Mr. Levitt reiterated the data demonstrates that expansion projects such as the proposed campus of care development (the “gold standard of senior living”) are essential to meet the increasing demand and ensure the most vulnerable seniors can enjoy a high quality of life in a caring and comfortable environment and remain in one place, where they have friends and family they known over the years. 

Linda Carriere, 9530 Haven Drive, spoke to her written submission in strong support of the development and providing a personal perspective on the importance of such a facility for families (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1).

Cathy Sichewski, Richmond (Steveston) resident and nurse clinician, spoke to her written submission (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 2).

Jeff Moss, Executive Director, Jewish Seniors Alliance of Canada and Richmond resident, shared some background of his years growing up in Steveston, a community where seniors were visible, valued and part of everyday life that recognized and demonstrated the importance of dignity in the aging process.  Mr. Moss further expressed strong support of the redevelopment of Richmond Lions Manor Fentiman campus of care, noting there is a significant shortage in long-term care beds throughout BC and that the new facility represents responsible planning and a thoughtful, compassionate and necessary response for the community, which supports seniors and caregivers, prioritizes its citizens and understands the importance of supporting a multigenerational inclusive community, strengthens neighbourhoods and reflects a city that values connection, care and community across generations.

Andrew Rogers, 11731 Fentiman Place, spoke on behalf of himself and the 200 residents of the surrounding area who signed a petition expressing concerns over the size and scale of the project for the location.  Although not opposed to long term care in the neighbourhood, concerns with the construction, the structure itself, vehicle/pedestrian traffic and overflow parking for various Steveston events were raised, noting (i) the contrast in size and scope of the proposed new building being eight storeys with 80% lot coverage and overshadowing other properties vs. the former seven storeys with approximately 40% lot coverage, (ii) the impact on the neighbourhood with Fentiman Place being a very short street with only 11 homes with one way in and one way out of the neighbourhood, and (iii) that only one traffic study was conducted reporting a high increase in traffic during peak hours with possible variances in traffic demands for numerous reasons, but no mention of the increased pedestrian traffic (McMath Secondary students) or a need to change the festival event parking on Fentiman Place (e.g. Canada Day and Salmon Festival).  The question was also raised whether Steveston residents will be given priority for placement at the facility if needed (e.g. residents at Wisteria Place or the Maple Residences).

Christine Marin, 4099 Williams Road, President, CFUW Richmond (Canadian Federation of University Women), representing 89 members who are Richmond residents, spoke to the written submission of strong support for the proposed development (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 3) and the warmth and connection it will bring to the seniors that will be living there.

Allyn Rodden, 11220 Frigate Court, spoke in total support of the proposed development noting that the proposed Richmond Lions Manor Fentiman campus of care, together with The Maples and Wisteria developments, ensures all levels of care will be available for seniors within Steveston.

Reiner Mehl, 10200 Fourth Avenue, Wisteria Senior Health and Housing Society, spoke in strong support for the proposed Richmond Lions Manor Fentiman, noting the urgent need for the facility and that while there is no guarantee that preference may be given to residents of Steveston, it is better than the current option where Wisteria Place members may be moved to relatives/caregivers that live far away in order to receive the support needed.

Gina Fernandez, Richmond resident, and registered occupational therapist, spoke in strong support of the proposed development, noting that current adult day program resources in Richmond are minimal and not able to meet the needs, especially long-term care, and that by supporting the development of Richmond Lions Manor Fentiman demonstrates the City’s commitment to thoughtful, well planned residences and care for its aging population.

Catherine Andrews, #322, 4500 Westwater Drive, spoke to her experience working as a nurse and caregiver supporting her family and many of her friends and neighbours who have been facing end of life issues and have had to leave their community and move to a long-term care facility far away for the first available bed anywhere.  Ms. Andrews echoed the comments of support from all the other speakers, noting the urgent need for the proposed development in Steveston that supports the community and its citizens.

Doug Shearer, 4111 Garry Street, expressed support for the Richmond Lions Manor Fentiman development in the form and character proposed, noting the addition of this facility in its present form and the benefit it will bring is going to outweigh any of the affects it might have on traffic or height.  The correspondence submitted to the City through VCH (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 4) was referenced, noting strong concerns related to the roadway serving the development site, in particular increased volume and high speeds as well as ongoing traffic issues on Garry Street to be mitigated.  It was requested that some traffic calming measures be looked at for Garry Street, including a 30 km/h limit and raised crosswalks, and that Yoshida Court and Dunford Road should also merit serious consideration.

Brian Rideau, 11768 Fentiman Place, noted he was aware the original Lions Manor would be replaced, however he hadn’t anticipated the size and scope of the facility and expressed concerns with respect to the stress/impact on the neighbourhood during construction (preload, the type of high impact construction methods, etc.) and inquired whether the neighbouring homeowners should be concerned about the potential of any residual damage to their homes as a result, and how this will be monitored by VCH and their construction partners.  Mr. Rideau further inquired whether pre/post inspections of the surrounding buildings will be conducted, what neighbourhood amenities will be lost and/or whether festival and event parking will be impacted during the construction period. 

Tim Evans, 4111 Garry Street, acknowledged his support for a long-term care facility located at Fentiman Place, but expressed concerns and opposition to the size and density of the development to be built on a narrow cul-de-sac and the spillover affect on Garry Street as a result, noting the street is already heavily congested with so many facilities within a 500m stretch of the street, which intensifies further during special events such as Canada Day.  Mr. Evans further noted the traffic study was undertaken on September 17, when the weather was warm and sunny, but doesn’t address the increased traffic to and from McMath Secondary in the winter when it is cold and wet, and suggested that a further traffic study be undertaken during the winter months.

Maria Lugs, hospital employee and personal care aid, Minoru Residence, spoke in favour of the application, noting the urgent need for the facility and place where seniors receive the dignity they very much deserve.

PH25/6-1

It was moved and seconded

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 10721be given second and third readings.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued.  In response to queries from Council, staff provided the following information:

§   

in terms of the proposed lot coverage for the development, it is a 53% lot coverage, the buildings as proposed are eight storeys in height, and the proposed development does sit atop a parkade podium that does provide for the 91 parking stalls that are to be accommodated on site that does provide parking for staff and visitors;

§   

the traffic study was received and reviewed by the City’s Transportation department, and the traffic impact study did consider background traffic associated with the school and Garry Street;

§   

as part of the Building Permit, the City will also review a construction traffic and parking management plan, which will include mechanisms for continued access for vehicles and pedestrians as construction occurs;

§   

this project does not set a precedent as each application is considered on its own merit on a case-by-case basis;

§   

at this point in time the construction impacts are unknown as there is no current Building Permit application that has been made that would outline in detail the methods of construction, any further questions regarding construction impacts are best directed to VCH and their consultant team; VCH has indicated that they are committed to continuing to keep the community informed and engaged during the entire construction process of the project;

§   

event generating traffic is still able to be accommodated in the area, Fentiman Place will remain open during construction, staff have reviewed the width of Fentiman Place and have confirmed that even during construction Fentiman can still operate;

§   

in terms of priority for Steveston residents, that is part of the programming for the facility and best answered by members of VCH;

§   

the application does not secure the commitment of preferred priority outright, however it is understood from many of the presentations that there is a clear need for this type of facility for Richmond residents, and best answered by VCH;

§   

at this point in time, no concessions have been requested for use of City property for construction laydown purposes or other activities, any use of City property would ultimately still be subject to a separate City Council approval;

§   

staff are not aware of the construction program which would best be directed to the Applicant for response;

§   

it is anticipated there will be one or two parking spots that will be lost on Fentiman Place due to the driveway of the proposed development, but in general it will remain the same; staff could look at resident only (permit) parking should the residents wish;

§   

there will be some shadowing of the adjacent properties, despite moving the building massing as far south as possible; the applicant worked closely with the City’s design and planning staff to best locate the building in a manner that would pose the least impact from shadowing; and

§   

in terms of any impacts to adjacent properties, the City does have a Good Neighbour program for any development that occurs in the City, encouraging those developers to keep their neighbours informed as construction proceeds, which VCH has indicated that they would do throughout the construction process.

The question on the motion was then called and it was CARRIED.

Councillor Au left the meeting (7:10 p.m.).

2.

TEMPORARY USE PERMIT (TU 24-036427)

(File Ref. No. TU 24-036427) (REDMS No. 8203464)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant was available to respond to queries.

Written Submissions:

None.

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH25/6-2

It was moved and seconded

To allow a Temporary Commercial Use Permit to allow non-accessory parking as a permitted use at the northwest corner of 12800 Rice Mill Road.

CARRIED

Councillor Au rejoined the meeting (7:12 p.m.).

3.

RICHMOND OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN BYLAW 9000, AMENDMENT BYLAW 10719

(File Ref. No. 08-4045-01) (REDMS No. 8189995, 8192236)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant was available to respond to queries.

Written Submissions:

None.

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH25/6-3

It was moved and seconded

That Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10719 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

PH25/6-4

It was moved and seconded

That Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10719 be adopted.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

PH25/6-5

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (7:13 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the Regular meeting for Public Hearings of the City of Richmond held on Monday, December 15, 2025.

Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Corporate Officer (Claudia Jesson)