September 26, 2023 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Chak Au, Chair
Councillor Michael Wolfe (by teleconference)
Councillor Laura Gillanders
Councillor Andy Hobbs
Councillor Bill McNulty

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 July 19, 2023, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

DELEGATION

1.

Jerome Dickey  shared his concerns about the lack of safety for dogs, pedestrians and cyclists at the No. 3 Road Bark Park and submitted a petition titled “Safety Improvements to Bark Park” (copy on file).

Wendy Gillespie, Richmond resident, expressed concerns regarding the layout of the park.

Staff provided an update, noting that an internal review is underway, including a best practices audit and public engagement process, and a report to Committee is forthcoming.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) a survey will be distributed to various user groups to ensure broad engagement, (ii) interim safety measures have been implemented, and (iii) park users were consulted prior to park reconstruction to get input on suitable materials.

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

2.

BLUE CABIN FLOATING ARTIST RESIDENCY TERM EXTENSION AT IMPERIAL LANDING

(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-20-310) (REDMS No. 7315503)

In reply to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) the Blue Cabin has hosted 7 artists in residence since its inception, (ii) it has generated great interest from the public, and (iii) the intention is for the Blue Cabin to move to different locations across the lower mainland every couple of years.

It was moved and seconded

That the Blue Cabin Floating Artist Residency extension request as detailed in the staff report titled, “Blue Cabin Floating Artist Residency Term Extension at Imperial Landing” dated August 17, 2023, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be endorsed.

CARRIED

3.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

London/Steveston Dog Off-Leash Area

Staff provided an update on the public engagement process, which includes a survey on Let’s Talk Richmond available from September 26-October 22, 2023, on site signage, postcard invitations to participate in the public engagement process, and public open houses held on site at London/Steveston Park on October 14 and 18. Following public consultation, staff will evaluate the input received and report to Committee with recommendations.

(ii)

Playground Upgrades

In response to a query from Committee, staff noted that they are preparing capital submissions for upgrades to playgrounds at Minoru Park and Burkeville Neighbourhood Park.

(iii)

Culture Days

Staff shared that Richmond Culture Days, held from September 22 – October 15, 2023, is off to an excellent start and offers over 80 in-person events.

(iv)

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Staff advised that a flag commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be raised in City Hall. In addition, the ‘Together’ statue at Minoru Centre for Active Living will be illuminated in orange. The community can commemorate National Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day through various events listed on the City website.

(v)

Second Annual Tree Sale

Staff provided an update on the second annual tree sale, where City residents could purchase up to two trees through the MyRichmond online portal from August 28 through September 22, 2023, highlighting that over 600 trees were sold, an approximate 37% increase from 2022.

(vi)

Public Parks Programming Events

Staff provided highlights on various public programming events, including invasive plant removals, shoreline cleanups, and volunteer tree planting events.

(vii)

Event at Minoru Park Track

Staff noted that a memorandum with further details will be provided to Committee.

(viii)

Richmond Nature Park Infrastructure Renewals

In response to queries from Committee, staff noted that construction for the project, which includes the replacement of the two existing onsite septic systems, has not yet begun, and staff will provide a memorandum with further background information.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:41 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, September 26, 2023.

_________________________________

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Councillor Chak Au
Chair

Shannon Unrau
Legislative Services Associate