June 29, 2021 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Harold Steves, Chair (by teleconference)
Councillor Michael Wolfe (by teleconference)
Councillor Chak Au (by teleconference)
Councillor Bill McNulty (by teleconference) 
Councillor Linda McPhail (by teleconference)

Also Present:

Councillor Carol Day (by teleconference) 
Councillor Andy Hobbs (by teleconference)

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 May 26, 2021, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

July 20, 2021, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.

DELEGATIONS

1.

Roidon Lamb, Strata Chair, Birchwood Estates, spoke against the proposed community garden adjacent to Branscombe House, expressing that the proposed community garden (i) will create an eyesore, (ii) will attract rodents and generate unpleasant odours, (iii) will generate excessive foot traffic, (iv) will only be open exclusively to 40 users, and (v) generates limited neighbourhood support.

Pedro Villalon, Birchwood Estates resident, spoke against the proposed community garden and expressed concern with regard to the consultation and notification process and potential loss of useable park space. Also, Ms. Lamb and Mr. Villalon expressed that proposed buffering to their residence is not adequate and encouraged relocation of the proposal to other sites in the city.

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) the notification, consultation and development process for community gardens, (ii) alternative sites for the proposed garden, (iii) buffering requirements for community gardens, and
(iv) maintenance of community gardens.

In reply to queries from Committee staff noted that (i) the City conducts community engagement on the matter, including discussion on the Let’s Talk Richmond platform and with the Richmond Food Security and Agricultural Advisory Committee (FSAAC), (ii) other residents in the neighbourhood have expressed support for the proposed garden, and (iii) there are other potential sites for community gardens in the city.

As a result of the discussion, a referral motion to relocate the proposed community garden was introduced, but failed to receive a seconder.

Discussion then ensued with regard to the community garden development process, and as a result, the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the concept of community gardens be referred to staff and that staff:

(1)

provide a list of potential community garden sites;

(2)

provide information on the process of establishing community gardens and community consultation plan;

(3)

examine community garden maintenance regulations;

(4)

provide information on the submitted requests for community gardens; and

(5)

examine buffers between community gardens and residential areas;

and report back.

The question on the motion was not called as staff responded to queries, noting that staff are in the process of developing a map of the City’s community gardens.

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

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

2.

2020 Richmond Film Office Year in Review   
(File Ref. No. 08-4150-09-01) (REDMS No. 6671925)

Discussion ensued with regard to mapping filming activities and the use of Steveston as a filming location.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled, “2020 Richmond Film Office Year in Review,” dated May 30, 2021, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be circulated to industry stakeholders for their information.

CARRIED

3.

Amendment to Regulating the Discharge of Firearms Bylaw No. 4183   
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-01) (REDMS No. 6687756)

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) the current 135 metre set back regulations, (ii) developing more detailed maps of the hunting areas,
(iii) hunting in agricultural land to control pests and wildlife, (iv) enforcement of hunting regulations, (v) options to increase fines for offenders, (vi) consulting with farmers on firearm discharge regulations, (v) installing signage to clearly identify hunting areas, (vi) education for the community on firearm discharge regulations, and (vii) the process to obtain hunting permits.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that the Richmond Rod and Gun Club (RRGC) administers a hunting by permission program that ensures that vetted hunters have the proper certification and insurance. Also, staff noted that the RRGC works closely with the Richmond RCMP and BC Conservation officers on enforcement of firearm discharge regulations. Furthermore, staff noted that the Richmond RCMP is investigating incidents of illegal hunting by unregistered hunters.

Helmut Pastick, Richmond resident, expressed concern with regard to the proposed bylaw, and spoke on (i) the hunting setbacks, (ii) enhancing hunting maps, (iii) consultation with farmers, and (iv) installation of signage in hunting areas.

Laura-Leah Shaw, Richmond resident, expressed concern with regard to hunting in agricultural land and suggested that such activities should be banned. Also, she noted her concern with regard to illegal hunters and the safety of residents and pets.

Mike Thorne, President, Richmond Rod and Gun Club and Evan le Gal, Vice President, Richmond Rod and Gun Club, spoke on the Club’s history, and encouraged that hunting activities continue in the city. Mr. Thorne added that no members of the RRGC have been charged with any firearms-related offenses and suggested that public education be implemented to prevent non-permitted hunting.

Discussion ensued with regard to hunting to protect crops in agricultural areas and options to update the City’s hunting policy. In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that staff can provide a memorandum on the steps taken to ensure hunters are abiding by the regulations.

It was moved and seconded

That Regulating the Discharge of Firearms Bylaw No. 4183, Amendment Bylaw No. 10278 to amend the terms of the bylaw as described in the staff report titled “Amendment to Regulating the Discharge of Firearms Bylaw No. 4183” dated June 2, 2021, from the Director, Recreation and Sport Services, be introduced and given first, second and third readings.

CARRIED 
Opposed. Cllr. Michael Wolfe

2.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Extreme Weather Temperatures

Staff spoke on the City’s response to the recent hot temperatures including
(i) adding shade in through park tents, (ii) opening outdoor public pools and waterparks, (iii) adjusting program time to be earlier in the day, and
(iv) distributing maps of the City’s public water fountains.

(ii)

Minoru Centre for Active Living Immunization Centre

Staff briefed Committee on the usage of the Minoru Centre for Active Living as a COVID-19 immunization centre, adding that the program is currently targeting senior residents and their caregivers.

(iii)

Canada Day at Home

Staff briefed Committee of the City’s upcoming virtual Canada Day program at 10:00 a.m. on July 1, 2021 and noted that more information can be found on www.stevestonsalmonfest.ca.

(iv)

Opening of Steveston Heritage Sites

Staff noted the restoration of services at several heritage sites in Steveston including facilities in Britannia Shipyards, and London Farmhouse at the London Heritage Farm and the Japanese Fisherman’s Benevolent Society building.

(v)

Britannia Shipyard Society Management

Staff advised that the Britannia Shipyard Society is developing a plan to manage the docks at Imperial Landing and discussions between the City and the Britannia Shipyards Society regarding the matter are on-going.

(vi)

Chinese Junk Boat

Staff noted that discussions to use the Chinese Junk Boat for the upcoming Richmond Maritime Festival are on-going with the boat owners, the City and the Britannia Shipyards Society.

(vii)

Steveston Harbour Authority Dredging

Discussion ensued with regard to increasing the frequency of dredging in the Fraser River. Staff noted that discussions on the matter between the City and the Steveston Harbour Authority have taken place and letters have been sent to the Province to address the concerns related to the dredging.

(viii)

Park Acquisition List

Discussion ensued with regard to the City’s park acquisition list, and as a result, the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That staff prepare a park priority acquisition list for Council, and report back.

CARRIED

(ix)

Richmond Resident Arjun Bhullar - Mixed Martial Arts Champion

Committee noted the recent championship win by Richmond resident Arjun Bhullar and the recent community celebration. Staff noted that the recognition of the championship win can be discussed at an upcoming Sports Council meeting.

(x)

Waterfront Trail Access

Staff advised that staff are currently reviewing waterfront trail access in Steveston.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (6:00 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.

_________________________________

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Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Evangel Biason
Legislative Services Associate