March 22, 2023 - Minutes

Date:

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Carol Day, Chair
Councillor Michael Wolfe
Councillor Chak Au
Councillor Kash Heed
Councillor Alexa Loo

Also Present:

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 Public Works and Transportation Committee held on February 23, 2023, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

1.

2023 ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVES

(File Ref. No. 10-6500-01) (REDMS No. 7136633)

In response to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) design is underway for the off-street multi-use pathway on No. 2 Road (Steveston Highway to Williams Road) and an update from Engineering is forthcoming, (ii) redevelopment opportunities can be explored to expand cycling routes that overlap with The Great Blue Heron Way project and will be considered through the City’s Cycling Network Plan upgrade, (iii) the e-scooter pilot program questionnaire (currently being developed) will seek feedback from e‑scooter device operators and others sharing the road and pathways, (iv) the bicycle-pedestrian counters provide insight on the usage of multi-use pathways, and (v) the cycling education courses offered to all Richmond Grades 6 and 7 elementary school students  are ongoing, ensuring all students learn the rules and responsibilities of cycling.

A brief discussion ensued with respect to future opportunities for bicycle-pedestrian counter technology as it relates to roadway intersections.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the report titled “2023 Active Transportation Initiatives” dated February 15, 2023 from the Director, Transportation, be received for information; and

(2)

That a copy of the report be forwarded to the Richmond Council-School Board Liaison Committee for information.

CARRIED

ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION

2.

SANITARY SEWER REPAIRS - 100 TO 1000 BLOCK LANCASTER CRESCENT

(File Ref. No. 10-6000-01) (REDMS No. 7121083)

In response to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) the preliminary investigation showed a crack in the pipe, the exact cause is unknown and staff can examine the pipe upon excavation, and (ii) staff will also be assessing and ensuring upgrades to both water main and sanitary sewers as they are identified through the Burkeville improvement programs.

It was moved and seconded

That funding of $1,000,000 from the Sanitary Sewer Reserve Fund for the sanitary sewer repairs along the 100 to 1000 block of Lancaster Crescent, be approved and that the Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2023-2027) be amended accordingly.

CARRIED

3.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Traffic Cameras

Staff advised two new traffic cameras have been added at two signalized intersections - No. 1 Road and Osman Avenue, and Great Canadian Way at Bridgeport Bus Mall.  Both of these traffic camera locations have recording and traffic management capabilities.

(ii)

City of Burnaby Proposed Grow Organic Composting Facility

Staff advised that the City of Burnaby held a Special Council Meeting on March 20, 2023, to consider the proposed Grow Organic Composting Facility.  At this meeting, Council noted concerns received from Burnaby residents regarding the project and the removal of park land from the Fraser Foreshore Park.  Burnaby Council was unanimous in opposition and have directed staff to notify the public of the cancellation accordingly.  Burnaby Council further noted the project remains important and they will continue to look at alternative locations.  Richmond staff will continue to follow this project as it evolves.

(iii)

Septic Field at Richmond Nature Park

In reply to a query from Committee relating to infrastructure to the caretaker building and flooding at the north west corner of Westminster Highway and No. 5 Road, and the need for a new septic field, staff advised they are in discussion with the Ministry of Transportation regarding the Steveston interchange project and tunnel replacement, in an effort to have them engage with staff on drainage improvements along the entire Highway 99 corridor.  It is at the early stages, but staff are hopeful the Ministry will address some of the drainage concerns noted.  Staff will continue to update the Committee.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:25 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Carol Day
Chair

Lorraine Anderson
Legislative Services Associate