February 26, 2013 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Harold Steves, Chair
Councillor Ken Johnston
Councillor Linda Barnes
Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt
Councillor Bill McNulty

Also Present:

Councillor Chak Au

Councillor Linda McPhail

Call to Order:

The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on Tuesday, January 29, 2013, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

Tuesday, March 26, 2013, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

DELEGATION

1.

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office), Dr. James Lu, Medical Health Officer, Vancouver Coastal Health, accompanied by Emily Laflamme, Regional Epidemiologist, Vancouver Coastal Health, highlighted the following information regarding the results of the Healthy Richmond Survey:

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3,639 adults Richmond residents were surveyed;

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35 questions were posed related to socio-demographics and chronic disease risk factors;

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the survey was conducted from February 24, 2012 to March 4, 2012;

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the survey was conducted online and in person at 25 field locations;

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in comparison to the statistics of the 2011 Census, it was determined that those who participated in the survey were representative of Richmond’s population;

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a composite wellness score that touched on factors such as tobacco use, fruit and vegetable consumption, daily walking, and minutes of vigorous physical activity was utilized;

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the wellness score ranged from zero to sixteen, with sixteen representing a person who does not smoke, eats all the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables etc;

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Richmond’s top 20% achieved above ten on the composite wellness score;

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an analysis of self-reported health, daily behaviours, and a sense of community belonging indicated a strong relationship between these factors, suggesting that enhanced community belonging has the potential to lead to the adoption of positive lifestyle traits;

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Sea Island and Steveston residents reported having the highest sense of belonging;

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Bridgeport residents reported having the weakest sense of belonging;

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data collected from Bridgeport residents was further analyzed in an effort to understand what factors made Bridgeport residents different than residents in other areas of Richmond; and

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this analysis examined factors such as having a library card, voting in elections, accessing City facilities, being born in Canada, and being most comfortable speaking English versus another language.

Ms. Laflamme stated that the results would be used as a baseline measure for the evaluation of the City’s Community Wellness Strategy.  She stated that the results have demonstrated that a multi-sectoral approach is required to strengthen community belonging, thereby further enabling healthy lifestyle choices.

In reply to queries from Committee, Dr. Lu and Ms. Laflamme advised that (i) the results of the survey would assist Vancouver Coastal Health and City staff focus their efforts in relation to action items identified in the City’s Community Wellness Strategy; and (ii) Vancouver Coastal Health would like to engage all communities in their authority in the same manner as Richmond was, however, data collection would primarily be online.

Discussion ensued and in response to Committee’s comments regarding the results of the survey, Dave Semple, General Manager, Community Services spoke of several community engagement initiatives currently in place.

Mike Redpath, Senior Manager, Parks, advised that staff are working with developers in the Bridgeport area to provide parks and open space in the neighbourhood.

Discussion further ensued and Committee queried whether the results of the survey would be shared with other groups such as the Richmond Community Services Advisory Committee, the Seniors Advisory Committee, Richmond Sports Council, the Richmond Public Library Board, and the Richmond School District No. 38.

In response to additional queries from Committee, Dr. Lu and Ms. Laflamme advised that (i) the Early Development Instrument was not examined as the survey did not collect data from children; (ii) it is challenging to engage youth to participate in a survey; and (iii) encouraging the consumption of fruits and vegetables as opposed to processed foods is a global issue.

Dr. Lu commented on nutrition and non-aerobic forms of exercise such as Tai Chi and how these factors also contribute to overall health.

Discussion ensued regarding the results of the Healthy Richmond Survey and the value of its findings for various groups throughout Richmond.

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

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Healthy Richmond Survey presentation be received for information; and

(2)

That staff be directed to integrate the findings of the Healthy Richmond Survey with the goals and objectives of Council and 2013-2014 work plans.

CARRIED

2.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Upcoming Parks Events

Serena Lusk, Manager, Parks Programs, advised that Seedy Saturday will take place on March 2, 2013 at the Terra Nova Rural Park and that the Live Owl Show will take place on Sunday, March 3, 2013 at the Richmond Nature Park. 

(ii)

Heritage Conservation Workshop

Jane Fernyhough, Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage, provided background information and stated that the heritage conversation workshop was well attended by a range of staff from various departments.  Ms. Fernyhough commented that in light of the success of the workshop, staff anticipate organizing another heritage conservation workshop with a focus on particular aspects of heritage buildings, such as windows.

(iii)

16^th Annual Aquatic Fitness Challenge

David McBride, Manager, Aquatic, Arena, and Fitness Services, highlighted that over 1,300 residents participated in the 16^th Annual Aquatic Fitness Challenge.  He commented that a new record was set with 130 participants completing the challenge in 30 days.

(iv)

Children’s Arts Festival

Kim Somerville, Manager, Arts Services, highlighted that the Children’s Arts Festival attracted over 8,300 participants.

(v)

Railway Avenue Corridor Greenway

Mr. Redpath advised that staff would be contacting property owners that are encroaching on the City’s property along the Railway Avenue Corridor Greenway in the immediate future.

In response to a query from Committee, Mr. Redpath advised that staff anticipate the completion of the Terra Nova Play Environment by Fall 2013.

(vi)

Community Services Updates

Mr. Semple updated Committee on (i) milfoil in the City’s canals, (ii) the progress of the Branscombe House, and (iii) the status of tress in the City Hall precinct.

In reply to a query from Committee, Mr. Semple advised that is it anticipated that the RCMP’s Musical Ride tour British Columbia in August 2013.

Discussion ensued regarding the removal of Brighouse heritage trees at the River Green development and the utilization of these trees’ wood on the site.

(vii)

Food Security

In reply to a query from Committee, Mr. Semple advised that an update on food security was forthcoming.

Discussion ensued regarding the Kwantlen Farm School and the use of the backlands along No. 5 Road.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:09 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Tuesday, February 26, 2013.

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Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Hanieh Berg
Committee Clerk