February 14, 2023 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Alexa Loo, Chair
Councillor Andy Hobbs
Councillor Laura Gillanders
Councillor Kash Heed
Councillor Bill McNulty

Also Present:

Councillor Carol Day
Councillor Michael Wolfe

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 Community Safety Committee held on January 17, 2023, be adopted.

CARRIED

COMMUNITY SAFETY DIVISION

1.

ANIMAL PROTECTION SERVICES MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT – DECEMBER 2022 AND YEAR IN REVIEW

(File Ref. No. 09-5375-09) (REDMS No. 7079920)

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Animal Protection Services Monthly Activity Report – December 2022 and Year in Review”, dated January 10, 2023, from the General Manager, Community Safety, be received for information.

CARRIED

2.

BUSINESS LICENCE ACTIVITY REPORT – 2022 YEAR IN REVIEW

(File Ref. No. 12-8375-03) (REDMS No. 7114271)

In response to queries from the Committee regarding illegal ride hailing, staff noted that (i) Bylaw staff coordinates with the Passenger Transportation Branch (PTB) as the lead investigative agency in conjunction with the police force of jurisdiction, such as the RCMP or Transit Police to investigate illegal ride hailing, (ii) staff are working in conjunction with the PTB to bring in other cities to coordinate through operational responses and best practices, (iii) enforcement has had an impact in curbing illegal ride hailing activities, however it is difficult to gauge the scale of the problem given that much of the illegal ride hails occur through offshore technology, (iv) PTB has been successful in responding to illegal ride hailing offenses, including vehicle seizures, and (v) staff are exploring options with all levels of government to increase penalties such as potentially seizing licenses.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Business Licence Activity Report – 2022 Year in Review”, dated January 23, 2023, from the Director, Community Bylaws & Licencing, be received for information.

CARRIED

3.

PROPERTY USE AND PARKING ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY REPORT – 2022 YEAR IN REVIEW

(File Ref. No. 12-8375-02) (REDMS No. 7114441)

In response to queries from the Committee, staff noted that (i) soil bylaw enforcement can be a multi month/step process for some properties to achieve compliance, where approval is required from many different agencies, and will be reflected as non compliant until the necessary permits are received from the City and the Agricultural Land Commission, (ii) staff can report back with a breakdown of the noncompliant properties, (iii) the reported  increase in short-term rental violations is linked to the lifting of travel restrictions in October 2022 by the federal government, (iv) staff are looking at proactive messaging options for landlords to help identify/prevent short term rental violations, and (v) there is a high degree of compliance with respect to short-term rental violations.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Property Use and Parking Enforcement Activity Report – 2022 Year in Review”, dated January 23, 2023, from the Director, Community Bylaws & Licencing, be received for information.

CARRIED

4.

RICHMOND FIRE-RESCUE MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT DECEMBER 2022 AND YEAR IN REVIEW

(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No. 7101015)

In response to queries from the Committee, Fire Chief Jim Wishlove noted (i) the average service response time reported is inclusive of all calls (fire, motor vehicle accidents, and medical calls), (ii) all crews are trained in traffic management; (iii) the increase in medical calls for 2022 over 2021 are the result of the lifting of first responder limitations, (iv) RFR outreach engagements can differ monthly and can depend on opportunities available (community/national events), and (v) there has not been any trends noted in Richmond with respect to fires from an EV battery or charger.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report – December 2022and Year in Review”, dated January 12, 2023, from the Fire Chief, be received for information.

CARRIED

5.

FIRE CHIEF BRIEFING
(Verbal Report)

Items for discussion: None.

6.

RCMP MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT - DECEMBER 2022 AND YEAR IN REVIEW

(File Ref. No. 09-5375-02) (REDMS No. 7087295)

Discussion ensued with respect to violations of theft from mailboxes, noting reluctance/apprehension in reporting to police.  Chief Supt. Chauhan noted when violations are reported, Richmond RCMP responds and an investigation is generated.

Further discussion ensued regarding the Blockwatch program, noting that a number of Blockwatch captains have left the program.  Chief Supt. Chauhan noted that Blockwatch coordinators are working diligently to ensure the program’s continued success, with ongoing recruitment efforts to encourage residents to join the program.  It was suggested that Blockwatch be promoted through various publications such as newsletters.

In response to queries from the Committee, Chief Supt. Chauhan noted that
(i) the Richmond RCMP has responded to reported hate crimes and that the “Hate Has No Place” campaign, together with increased public engagement has had a positive effect on such incidents (ii) Richmond RCMP has responded to incidents related to shoplifting, and (iii) with respect to hospital wait times related to mental health and medical incidents, priority is given, when possible, to Richmond RCMP members accompanying patients.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled "RCMP Monthly Activity Report - December 2022 and Year in Review", dated January 14, 2023, from the Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP Detachment, be received for information.

CARRIED

7.

RCMP/OIC BRIEFING
(Verbal Report)

Item for discussion:

Joint Road Safety Blitz – this item was removed from the Agenda.

Chief Supt. Dave Chauhan noted that road safety initiatives are ongoing.

8.

MANAGER’S REPORT

None.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:48 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Community Safety Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023.

_________________________________

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Councillor Alexa Loo
Chair

Lorraine Anderson
Legislative Services Associate