July 19, 2023 - Minutes

Date:

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Chak Au, Chair
Councillor Michael Wolfe
Councillor Laura Gillanders
Councillor Andy Hobbs
Councillor Bill McNulty

Also Present:

Councillor Carol Day
Councillor Alexa Loo

Call to Order:

The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:24 p.m.

MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on June 27, 2023, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

DELEGATION

1.

Jacquie Lam and Sergei Volpov, Richmond residents, spoke on the development of an off-leash dog park in London/Steveston Park, referencing their power point (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office).

Cllr. Loo left the meeting (4:33 p.m.) and did not return.

In reply to queries from Committee, the delegation expressed that in addition to dust from the construction, their concerns also include noise levels, privacy, and a decrease in property value once the park is constructed. Furthermore, the delegation objected to having a dog park at the current site and advised that the neighbouring property owners are open to further consultation with City staff to consider other options.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) the London/Steveston fenced off-leash dog area is part of an approved plan endorsed by Council, (ii) they have discussed some options on-site with the delegation, and (iii) there is signage and bylaws in place that outline where dogs must be on- or off-leash as well as dog ownership etiquette.

Staff shared their presentation (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office) summarizing past consultation regarding the London/Steveston Neighbourhood Park development, including a number of open houses to raise awareness of forthcoming park enhancements, specifically featuring the London/Steveston dog off-leash area in the City’s 2022 Capital Project Highlights and Let’s Talk Richmond public engagement process.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) only the northeast  softball diamond is on Richmond School District No. 38 property, while the rest of the park master plan highlights City property, (ii) spraying water to reduce dust is not typically done during the middle of construction and is a challenge due to the current drought conditions, (iii) the City has a variety of dog park locations and styles, with some being directly across from residential or multi-family residences, (iv) tree planting will consist mostly of canopy trees, (v) the City does not typically collaborate with residents to build fences, (vi) this specific site has not been considered in the Sports Facility Needs Assessment and locations for each project have not been confirmed or identified at this time, (vii) construction has been put on hold except for necessary work pertaining to drainage improvements and path widening,
(viii) if advised, staff can continue with a broader public consultation process, (ix) the next closest dog park is located at Steveston Community Park, (x) a Dog Off-Leash Area Strategy is forthcoming, (xi) the City has never received complaints related to noise associated with dog parks, and (xii) the previous public consultation was extensive and in line with City standards related to adding park amenities.

Discussion ensued regarding the public consultation process and concerns of the neighbouring residents. As a result of the discussion, the following motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That construction of the off-leash dog park in London/Steveston Park be paused except for essential infrastructure required for Park operations;

(2)

That staff consult with nearby residents of the off-leash dog park to review their concerns and explore options to address those concerns where possible; and

(3)

That staff provide an update at the next Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee meeting.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued regarding the timeline of a Dog Off-Leash Area Strategy as part of the Parks and Open Space Strategy, the public engagement process, and techniques to mitigate the dust on-site.

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

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

2.

POTENTIAL ENHANCEMENTS TO THE RAILWAY GREENWAY

(File Ref. No. 06-2400-20-RAIL1) (REDMS No. 7213846)

In reply to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) the proposed number of light poles would meet City lighting standards, (ii) this report is a direct response to a previous referral from Committee and should future evidence show that other multi-use pathways require similar studies, staff can investigate further, and (iii) there is a sidewalk and bi-directional bike lanes along Railway Avenue in addition to the Railway Greenway.

It was moved and seconded

That a public consultation and engagement process be initiated to determine community preferences for lighting along the Railway Greenway, as outlined in the staff report titled "Potential Enhancements to the Railway Greenway," dated June 15, 2023, from the Director, Parks Services.

CARRIED

3.

RICHMOND SPORTS FACILITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT – 2023 UPDATE

(File Ref. No. 11-7025-09-002) (REDMS No. 7265004)

Staff highlighted that the Sports Facility Needs Assessment has been a comprehensive process that has included extensive consultation with Richmond sports groups and the Richmond Sports Council. The result of this process is a list of prioritized projects endorsed by the Facilities Task Force that included members from the Richmond Sports Council, Richmond Sport Hosting office, and Richmond School District No. 38 staff.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) further review will be required to determine recommended project site/locations for Council consideration, (ii) the City primarily uses Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) which is better for the environment and has no known adverse effects compared to crumb rubber, (iii) many of the priority projects are multi-use facilities that other users and community members will have access to,
(iv) nine outdoor pickleball courts have been proposed, and other courts could be considered throughout the community and brought forward for consideration, (v) it is recommended that the Athletics Track and Field Facility be a rubberized track facility, similar to Clement Track at Minoru Park, and the complement of existing synthetic turf fields was reviewed through this process, (vi) the recommendation for a covered lacrosse box would be to cover existing lacrosse boxes, (vii) a staff memorandum outlining the cost of the report, as well as the list of local sports organizations that were contacted and who responded, can be provided to Committee, (viii) projects were ranked on a weighted criteria, including demographics and participation levels, developed with input from the Facilities Task Force, (ix) it is expected that the six priority projects would move forward in the next 1-10 years with Council’s endorsement, (x) Council’s endorsement of the prioritized sport facility and infrastructure list would allow staff to move forward with the identified priority projects and each project would be brought forward for Council’s consideration either through a report or proposed Capital Budget, (xi) Richmond Sports Council can be contacted regarding their comments on the prioritized list, and (xii) the Sport Facility and Infrastructure Prioritized List has not been brought forward before.

It was moved and seconded

That the prioritized sport facility and infrastructure list be received and endorsed for consideration in future corporate facility or park plans as outlined in the staff report titled "Richmond Sports Facility Needs Assessment - 2023 Update" dated June 29, 2023, from the Director, Recreation and Sport Services.

CARRIED

4.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Grand Prix of Art

Staff highlighted that the Grand Prix of Art will be taking place this weekend, with 35 artists painting throughout Steveston Village between 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with the award ceremony at 2:30 p.m. at Britannia Shipyards. Following the award ceremony, works of art will be on display and for sale in the Seine Net Loft from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.

(ii)

National Drowning Prevention Week

Staff noted that the Lifesaving Society’s National Drowning Prevention Week (July 16-22, 2023) is currently underway and the City has numerous initiatives to promote the week, including posters, information booths, and free Swim to Survive sessions for children aged six and up and their families.

(iii)

Pride Week in Richmond

Staff highlighted that Pride Week, demonstrating the City’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, takes place July 31 to August 6, 2023. The City, in partnership with Community Associations and Societies, will be offering various programs and events throughout the City and the Pride flag will be displayed at City Hall during Pride Week.

(iv)

Canada Day Fireworks

Staff noted that the Steveston Salmon Festival debrief is underway and that the Canada Day fireworks were well attended.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (6:16 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 Wednesday, July 19, 2023.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Chak Au
Chair

Shannon Unrau
Legislative Services Associate