October 24, 2023 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

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

Absent:

Councillor Andy Hobbs

Also Present:

Councillor Carol Day

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 September 26, 2023, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

1.

COMMUNITY SERVICES – SUMMER PROGRAMS UPDATE 2023

(File Ref. No. 11-7375-01) (REDMS No. 7366911)

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled, “Community Services – Summer Programs Update 2023,” dated September 20, 2023, from the Director, Recreation and Sport Services, be received for information.

CARRIED

2.

RICHMOND ARTS FACILITIES NEEDS ASSESSMENT

(File Ref. No. 11-7000-11-01) (REDMS No. 7367861)

Jane Fernyhough, and Linda Barnes, representing the Richmond Arts Coalition (“RAC”), spoke in support of the report noting the increasing community need for different types of arts facilities that accommodate a range of various arts practices such as orchestra, dance, choral, and visual arts, and offered to assist with the needs assessment and any other support necessary in achieving the report recommendations in a timely manner.  It was further noted that achieving the needs assessment earlier than the end of 2024 would assist RAC in preparing any appropriate submission for 2025 Capital Plan and apply for grants from other levels of government or development opportunities.

Discussion ensued with respect to the immediate facilities need for the arts’ community and opportunities to expedite the timing for the funding as outlined in the report. 

It was moved and seconded

That the proposed scope of work for the Richmond Arts Facilities Needs Assessment as presented in the report titled, “Richmond Arts Facilities Needs Assessment,” dated September 6, 2023, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be endorsed.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That a one-time funding of $75,000 be taken from Council Contingency Fund to initiate the Richmond Arts Facilities Needs Assessment.

CARRIED

3.

STEVESTON COMMUNITY CENTRE AND LIBRARY SIGNATURE OUTDOOR ARTWORK CONCEPT PROPOSAL

(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-20-334) (REDMS No. 7367419)

In response to queries from the Committee staff noted that further details such as durability, climbability, lighting and maintenance will be looked at as part of the concept design development process.

It was moved and seconded

That the Concept Proposal for the Steveston Community Centre and Library Signature Outdoor Artwork as presented in the report titled, “Steveston Community Centre and Library Signature Outdoor Artwork Concept Proposal,” dated September 6, 2023, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be approved.

CARRIED

4.

STEVESTON HERITAGE INTERPRETIVE FRAMEWORK

(File Ref. No. 11-7141-01) (REDMS No. 7359279)

Linda Barnes, representing the Steveston Historical Society, expressed appreciation and support for the report, noting it brings to light the varying roles of the different societies and sites, how they overlap and how they differ, and where some of the gaps may be.

It was moved and seconded

That the Steveston Heritage Interpretive Framework as detailed in the staff report titled “Steveston Heritage Interpretive Framework,” dated September 15, 2023, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services be endorsed for the purpose of guiding the future development of interpretive programs, exhibits and initiatives in Steveston.

CARRIED

5.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

City Halloween Events

Staff noted there are over 20 Halloween-inspired events and programs taking place across the city leading up to October 31.  Staff advised that the City’s premier Halloween fireworks festival will be taking place at Minoru Park, with stage performances, trick-or-treating and other family-friendly activities, including taking a selfie with North America’s largest pumpkin, grown in Richmond and weighing a monstrous 2,212 pounds.

(ii)

Update - London/Steveston Off-Leash Dog Park Public Engagement Process

Staff reported a targeted public engagement program was carried out between September 25 and October 22, which included two public open houses in the park on October 14 and October 18 (receiving over 100 interested residents).  During this period over 300 surveys were received that are currently being sorted and analyzed with a target to submit a report, to include analysis and recommended next steps, to Committee in January.

In response to queries from the Committee, staff noted (i) the report back to Committee will capture and highlight the key results from the public engagement, and (ii) staff will categorize and formulate potential steps forward including alternative uses.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:37 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, October 24, 2023.

_________________________________

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Councillor Chak Au
Chair

Lorraine Anderson
Legislative Services Associate