January 25, 2022 - Minutes
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Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee
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Date: |
Tuesday, January 25, 2022 |
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Place: |
Council Chambers |
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Present: |
Councillor Harold Steves, Chair (by teleconference) |
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Also Present: |
Councillor Andy Hobbs |
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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 Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on December 14, 2021, be adopted as circulated. |
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CARRIED |
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NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE |
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March 1, 2022, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers |
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COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION |
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1. |
Application by the City of Richmond for a Heritage Alteration Permit at 6511 Dyke Road (London Farm) |
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A brief discussion ensued regarding the timeline for the work anticipated. Staff noted the majority of the work will be completed within the fiscal year, with some items ready to go upon approval of the Permit, and larger items requiring additional planning to get the construction work in place. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That a Heritage Alteration Permit be issued to authorize landscape modifications to the park spaces and minor exterior modification to the London Farm house on the heritage designated lands at 6511 Dyke Road as outlined in the staff report titled, “Application by the City of Richmond for a Heritage Alteration Permit at 6511 Dyke Road (London Farm),” dated December 12, 2021, from the Director of Arts, Culture and Heritage Services. |
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CARRIED |
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2. |
2021 Library Year in Review |
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A brief discussion ensued with respect to the Richmond Public Library response to the financial impact of the pandemic on the community, and the ‘Fine Free’ initiative to support vulnerable residents of all ages to ensure equitable access to library collections. Staff noted the 10,000 hours of staff reallocation were in redirecting to frontline public service to welcome customers into the library spaces, answer any account inquiries and assist them in finding more materials, as well ensuring an efficient return of materials back on the shelves. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the staff report titled, “2021 Library Year in Review”, dated January 5, 2022, from the Chief Librarian of Richmond Public Library, be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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3. |
City of Richmond Utility Box Art Wrap Program Update |
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Staff noted they have seen a definite decrease in vandalism and graffiti through the Utility Box Art Wrap Program, and encourage artists they work with to incorporate a ‘busy’ design (rather than a blank, single colour) to distract from having a canvass for graffiti. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the staff report titled “City of Richmond Utility Box Art Wrap Program” dated December 20, 2021, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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4. |
MANAGER’S REPORT |
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(i). |
Update – Snow Angels Program |
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Staff reported that during the significant snowfall over a number of days during the holiday season, 40 residents registered for assistance through the Snow Angels Program for clearing snow at their private homes, which included clearing the public walkways fronting their homes and walkways up to their front doors. 36 registered volunteers were paired with and helped those 40 residents. A further 10 residents are currently on a waitlist as there hasn’t been enough volunteers to pair with the demand from residents for snow clearing. However, when volunteers are contacted, the residents on the waitlist are included, should they have extra capacity. |
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It was further noted the program has been activated four times throughout the current season, with volunteers contributing over 160 volunteer hours, and will continue to be on standby throughout the season should it snow again. |
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(ii). |
Blue Cabin Floating Artist Residency |
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Staff noted the Blue Cabin Floating Artist Residency arrived at Imperial Landing at Steveston Village on January 24, 2022. The 1,200 square foot, 170 ton structure was towed by a tug boat on a seven hour journey through False Creek and into the Strait of Georgia, passing around Point Grey and Iona Terminus then up the Fraser River on the seven hour journey to Steveston. Imperial Landing will provide a compelling view vantage point for artists and the public to explore and celebrate both the heritage and contemporary features of the regions. |
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Staff further noted Musqueam artist, Debra Sparrow, will be the Blue Cabin’s first artists-in-residence in Steveston in 2022; details will be announced soon. |
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(iii). |
Richmond Art Gallery Update |
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Staff noted the Richmond Art Gallery opened a new exhibition on January 22, entitled “Nourish”, on display until April 3. The exhibition explores every day acts, such as sharing a meal and connecting with nature, as essential moments of self care and nourishment. In connection with this expedition, the Gallery has partnered with the City’s #RichmondHasHeart program to present an expansive of this public program exploring food culture in Richmond, as well the public is invited to share recipes for a digital cookbook. Details can be found online at Richmondartgallery.org. |
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(iv). |
City Programs and Services Update |
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Staff noted Dr. Bonnie Henry recently provided two more updates in relation to the provisions of the City’s programs and services: (1) the proof of vaccination process will continue through the end of June unless there is a significant improvement on the pandemic status; and (2) that tournaments will be reintroduced for children and youth only, beginning February 1 (earlier than the expected). |
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(v). |
Outdoor Skating |
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Discussion ensued with respect to skating in parks and other frozen spaces throughout Richmond where skating took place during the recent cold snap. The process of flooding fields to provide additional skating opportunities was queried and staff noted they will take under advisement and report back with a broader context. |
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(vi). |
Auxiliary Staff Retirement Recognition |
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With respect to the question of auxiliary staff being recognized for their significant contributions upon retirement, staff noted there is a staff recognition policy and administrative procedures to support that policy. Staff will review and provide further detail to Council. |
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ADJOURNMENT |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the meeting adjourn (4:27 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 Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. |
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_________________________________ |
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Councillor Harold Steves |
Lorraine Anderson |