March 28, 2023 - Minutes
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Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee
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Date: |
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 |
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Place: |
Council Chambers |
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Present: |
Councillor Chak Au, 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 Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on February 28, 2023, be adopted as circulated. |
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CARRIED |
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COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION |
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1. |
ARTS SERVICES YEAR IN REVIEW 2022 |
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Staff presented the Arts Services Year in Review 2022 video (copy on-file, City Clerk’s Office), noting that the video will also be shown at the next Council meeting. |
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In response to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) Richmond was ranked second by the national Culture Days organization in Canada for mid-size cities in 2022, while Oakville, Ontario was first, (ii) there has been no noticeable increase in vandalism on utility boxes with art wraps, (iii) the City offers public art bus tours, separate from the Art Truck program, (iv) there is a Council-approved operating budget for the arts programs that is fairly consistent from year to year, and (v) the Arts and Culture Grant Program is a standard budget item. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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(1) |
That the Arts Services Year in Review 2022 as presented in the staff report titled, “Arts Services Year in Review 2022,” dated February 23, 2023, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be received for information; and |
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(2) |
That the Arts Services Year in Review 2022 be circulated to Community Partners and Funders for their information. |
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CARRIED |
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2. |
FERAL RABBIT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM |
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In response to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) the Request for Proposals (RFP) for feral rabbit management services will identify potential service providers that may include a sanctuary or space for re-homing rabbits, (ii) the specific parameters for the scope of services of the RFP have yet to be determined, (iii) the City has a copy of the executive summary and report from the Invasive Species Council of BC, (iv) the monthly reporting of calls for service for animal control, which includes rabbits, pertains to BC SPCA Officers, (v) an effort to advocate to the Province to pause or stop the sale of rabbits was made at a past Union of BC Municipalities convention, but the motion was not supported and the City is implementing public awareness and education campaigns, (vi) the City manages rabbits on public land, (vii) should this item proceed, staff estimate a program implementation timeline of approximately two to three months, and (viii) the City is engaging in a public awareness campaign for the responsible ownership of pet rabbits. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That an integrated approach to the management of feral rabbits in Richmond including an increased public education and awareness campaign and implementation of a capture, sterilization and re-homing program, as described in the staff report titled “Feral Rabbit Management Program”, dated March 10, 2023, from the Director, Parks Services, be approved. |
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CARRIED |
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3. |
MANAGER’S REPORT |
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(i) |
Spring Break Update |
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Staff briefed Committee on the 2023 Spring Break activities, including day camps and participation in sports and fitness at community centres. Staff also noted three hockey tournaments took place in the arenas, including the Richmond Ravens Ice Classic with 82 teams and over 1,200 athletes, making it the largest female House level hockey tournament in western North America. |
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In response to a query from Committee, staff noted that Richmond Ice Centre and the Richmond Olympic Oval were primarily used for the majority of games in the CARHA Hockey World Cup, with a feature game held at Minoru Arenas. |
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(ii) |
World Leisure Day |
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Staff noted that World Leisure Day, a global initiative of the World Leisure Organization, will be celebrated on Sunday, April 16, with the theme of ‘Leisure for Social Transformation’ to promote the importance of leisure activities and bringing people together, building social connections, and fostering community belonging. To celebrate the day, the City will be promoting a wide variety of activities and events that can be found on the City website, social media, at community services facilities, and through a local news release. |
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(iii) |
Cherry Blossom Festival |
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Staff noted that the Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival is taking place on Sunday, April 2, and will be a full in-person event including entertainment throughout the afternoon. |
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ADJOURNMENT |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the meeting adjourn (4:31 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, March 28, 2023. |
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_________________________________ |
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Councillor Chak Au |
Shannon Unrau |