June 8, 2026 - Minutes

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Councillor Carol Day
Councillor Laura Gillanders
Councillor Kash Heed
Councillor Andy Hobbs
Councillor Alexa Loo
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Michael Wolfe

Corporate Officer – Claudia Jesson

Call to Order:

Mayor Brodie called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.

RES NO.

ITEM

MINUTES

R26/11-1

1.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the minutes of the Regular Council meeting held on May 25, 2026, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

R26/11-2

It was moved and seconded

That agenda delegation Greg Ferguson and staff member Todd Gross be permitted to enter the meeting via Zoom.

CARRIED

AGENDA ADDITIONS & DELETIONS

R26/11-3

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Item No. 17 “Development Cost Charges Imposition Bylaw No. 9499, Amendment Bylaw No. 10732”, be corrected to reflect the revised Amendment Bylaw set out in the staff memorandum, (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1) and Part 2 of the recommendation be amended to read “That Development Cost Charges Imposition Bylaw No. 9499, Amendment Bylaw No. 10732 as attached in the staff memorandum dated June 4, 2026, be introduced and given first, second and third readings; and

(2)

That a Non-Agenda Delegation by Mr. Michael Bishop to speak about CG2 zoning at 7991 No. 1 Road be added as item No. 19 to the agenda.

CARRIED

PRESENTATION

Denise Hui, Chair, Richmond Public Library (RPL) Board and Susan Walters, Chief Librarian, presented the Richmond Public Library Board 2025 Annual Report, highlighting the following:

§   

There were 1,193,625 RPL visitors in 2025;

§   

Richmond’s cultural programs engaged over 3,400 attendees through celebrations of Passover, Ramadan, and other traditions, demonstrating strong community interest;

§   

The new Community Conversation series connects local residents with guest speakers to discuss critical and sometimes sensitive issues;

§   

RPL continues to amplify Indigenous voices by strengthening meaningful connections and sustaining programs such as the Indigenous Authors Series;

§   

Connecting with seniors remains vital to the City’s age-friendly commitment, with RPL’s cost-effective Community Connect Box program exemplifying targeted service delivery;

§   

In 2025, RPL launched a new, more accessible website, relaunched its monthly newsletter, and expanded its social media presence, making it easier for customers to access services, stay informed, and connect with the library; and

§   

The City’s $100,000 investment to expand RPL collections, has helped reduce hold times and improve collection freshness.

Discussion ensued with respect to (i) circulation of more than 60,000 items each week to Richmond residents, (ii) new Steveston Library is anticipated to be busy and well used, (iii) BC Summer Reading Club is funded by the Provincial government, and (v) there is a 13 percent increase in digital collection usage, e-books are significantly higher in cost, and the e-book model continues to be a challenge.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

R26/11-4

2.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on agenda items (7:19 p.m.).

CARRIED

3.

Delegations from the floor on Agenda items

Item No. 12 – Richmond Community Memorial Garden – Planning Process Update, Site Selection Criteria, and Next Steps

Howard Jampolsky, Richmond resident, spoke in support of creating a memorial garden or cemetery space in Richmond, emphasizing the importance of providing places for people to honour, remember, reflect, and heal.  He noted that such spaces support the emotional needs of residents and help strengthen community connections, and encouraged Council to continue exploring the proposal in consultation with residents, cultural groups, faith communities, and memorialization professionals.

Item No. 15 – Official Community Plan: Minor Administrative Amendments and Environmentally Sensitive Areas Map Update

Greg Ferguson, Richmond resident, spoke to his concerns regarding the removal of the Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) designation from the properties bounded by Thompson Gate, Boundary Road, Highway 91A and Thompson Road, noting that doing so could set a precedent for landowners to seek ESA removals for private benefit.  He urged a more thorough process, and stressed the importance of protecting the environment.

R26/11-5

4.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (7:27 p.m.).

CARRIED

CONSENT AGENDA

R26/11-6

5.

It was moved and seconded

That Items No. 6 through No. 14 and No. 16 be adopted by general consent.

CARRIED

6.

COMMITTEE MINUTES

That the minutes of:

(1)

the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee meeting held on May 26, 2026;

(2)

the Finance and Audit Committee meeting held on June 1, 2026;

(3)

the General Purposes Committee meeting held on June 1, 2026; and

(4)

the Planning Committee meeting held on June 2, 2026;

be received for information.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

7.

2026-2027 Engaging artists in the community program public art projects

(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-20-089) (REDMS No. 8377012, 8245190, 8377155)

That the 2026–2027 Engaging Artists in Community Program Public Art Projects as presented in the report titled “2026–2027 Engaging Artists in Community Program Public Art Projects”, dated May 4, 2026, from the General Manager, Parks, Recreation and Culture, be approved.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

8.

steveston cannery channel dredging project update and expanded scope of work

(File Ref. No. 10-6150-04) (REDMS No. 8366373)

(1)

That a one-time additional level request of $1,000,000 for dredging Imperial Landing and Britannia Shipyards City waterlot landside frontages as detailed in the report titled “Steveston Cannery Channel Dredging Project Update and Expanded Scope of Work”, from the General Manager, Parks, Recreation and Culture, dated May 4, 2026, be considered as part of the 2027 budget process.

(2)

That a letter be written to the relevant Provincial and Federal ministers and the local MLAs and MPs to advise of the City’s commitment towards the Steveston Cannery Channel Dredging Project and continuation of the four-way partnership model used as well as the dredging type allowance to help with the process.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

9.

RICHMOND FOOD HUB GAP ANALYSIS AND FEASIBILITY STUDY

(File Ref. No. 08-4150-20-001) (REDMS No. 8392971)

That Option 1: Food Distribution Hub as detailed in the report titled “Richmond Food Hub Gap Analysis and Feasibility Study”, dated May 19, 2026, from the General Manager, Finance and Corporate Services, be approved.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

10.

Advocacy for Renewed Local Government Climate Action Program Funding

(File Ref. No. 10-6125-07-01; 03-1087-31-01) (REDMS No. 8409329)

(1)

That, as described in the report titled “Advocacy for Renewed Local Government Climate Action Program Funding”, dated May 5, 2026, from the General Manager, Engineering and Public Works, letters be sent to the Premier, relevant Provincial ministers, and Richmond MLAs outlining the benefits of local government climate action funding and the need for its continuation; and

(2)

That the proposed resolution on Continued Local Government Climate Action Funding, described in Attachment 1, for submission to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM), in the report titled “Advocacy for Renewed Local Government Climate Action Program Funding”, dated May 5, 2026, be endorsed.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

11.

Annual Funding Requirement for Equipment Replacement Reserve Fund - Fire Rescue Vehicles

(File Ref. No. 03-1075-05; 02-0650-01) (REDMS No. 8364999)

That an increase of $900,000 per year to the annual contribution to the Equipment Replacement Reserve Fund – Fire Rescue Vehicles (the “Reserve”) for a period of three year as outlined in Option 1 in the report titled “Annual Funding Requirement for Equipment Replacement Reserve Fund – Fire Rescue Vehicles” be considered in the annual budget process.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

12.

Richmond Community Memorial Garden – Planning Process Update, Site Selection Criteria, and Next Steps

(File Ref. No. 06-2000-20-004) (REDMS No. 8385767)

That the report titled “Richmond Community Memorial Garden – Planning Process Update, Site Selection Criteria, and Next Steps”, from the General Manager, Parks, Recreation and Culture, dated May 11, 2026, be received for information; and the approach be endorsed.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

13.

ARTERIAL ROAD POLICY

(File Ref. No. 01-0095-30-7003; 01-0035-20-HSRD1) (REDMS No. 8442376)

That a letter be written from the Mayor to the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs and Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, requesting that Richmond be exempted from SSMUH zoning for properties along a designated Arterial Road where higher density residential uses are permitted through an Area Plan or Official Community Plan.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

14.

Application by Bridgeport East BT Holdings Ltd. for a Zoning Text Amendment to the “Light Industrial, Office and Hotel (ZI10) – Bridgeport Village (City Centre)” Zone to Add “Health Service, Minor” as a Permitted Use at Unit 105 - 2777 Jow Street

(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-010766, ZT 25-022777) (REDMS No. 8356952, 8359294)

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 10766, for a Zoning Text Amendment to the “Light Industrial, Office and Hotel (ZI10) – Bridgeport Village (City Centre)” zone to add “Health service, minor” as a permitted use at Unit 105 - 2777 Jow Street, be introduced and given first reading.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

15.

Official Community Plan: Minor Administrative Amendments and Environmentally Sensitive Areas Map Update

(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-010767; 12-8060-20-010768; 08-4045-30-04; 08-4045-30-02) (REDMS No. 8412593, 8418236, 8441577, 8413849, 8416797)

Please see page 8 for action on this item.

16.

Abandonment of Unadopted Bylaws

(File Ref. No. 12-8060-01; 12-8060-20-010582, RZ 22-013378; 12-8060-20-010546, RZ 21-945388; 12-8060-20-010529, RZ 20-891129; 12-8060-20-010513, RZ 22-011080; 12-8060-20-010497, RZ 22-011063) (REDMS No. 8421029)

That the unadopted Zoning and OCP Amendment Bylaws, as outlined in Attachment 1, of the report titled “Abandonment of Unadopted Bylaws” dated May 20, 2026, from the General Manager, Finance and Corporate Services, be abandoned.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

PLANNING COMMITTEE –
Councillor Bill McNulty, Chair

15.

Official Community Plan: Minor Administrative Amendments and Environmentally Sensitive Areas Map Update

(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-010767; 12-8060-20-010768; 08-4045-30-04; 08-4045-30-02) (REDMS No. 8412593, 8418236, 8441577, 8413849, 8416797)

R26/11-7

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10767, to incorporate minor administrative amendments to the Official Community Plan (OCP), including minor changes to the OCP Land Use Map, Plan Interpretation and Sections 3 and 6, be introduced and given first reading;

(2)

That Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10768, to remove the Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) designation from the properties bounded by Thompson Gate, Boundary Road, Highway 91A and Thompson Road, be introduced and given first reading;

(3)

That Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10767, and Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10768, having been considered in conjunction with:

(a)

the City’s Financial Plan and Capital Program; and

(b)

the Greater Vancouver Regional District Solid Waste and Liquid Waste Management Plans;

is hereby found to be consistent with said programs and plans, in accordance with Section 477(3)(a) of the Local Government Act; and

(4)

That Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10767, and Richmond Official Community Plan Bylaw 9000, Amendment Bylaw 10768, having been considered in accordance with Section 475 of the Local Government Act and the City's Official Community Plan Bylaw Preparation Consultation Policy 5043, is found not to require further consultation.

The question on Resolution R26/11-7 was not called as discussion ensued with respect to (i) ESA assessment and compensation, (ii) development being limited by costs, (iii) consideration of habitat species at risk, (iv) concerns regarding ESA’s on private property, (v) ESA designation as a result of an overgrown yard, (vi) varying the time of year for site visits to capture all native plants in season, and (vii) consideration of ESA removal on private property on a case by case basis.

In response to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) within the OCP the subject area is designated for townhouse development, and (ii) the tree bylaw would still apply if ESA designation was removed.

The question on Resolution R26/11-7 was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllrs. Gillanders and Wolfe opposed.

NON-CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair

17.

Development Cost Charges Imposition Bylaw No. 9499, Amendment Bylaw No. 10732

(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-010732) (REDMS No. 8352525, 8392601)

R26/11-8

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Option 2, as outlined in the report titled “Development Cost Charges Imposition Bylaw No. 9499, Amendment Bylaw No. 10732”, from the General Manager, Finance and Corporate Services, dated May 7, 2026, be used as the unit of measurement for the new SSMUH development category for the proposed Development Cost Charges Imposition Bylaw No. 9499, Amendment Bylaw No. 10732; and

(2)

That Development Cost Charges Imposition Bylaw No. 9499, Amendment Bylaw No. 10732, as attached in the staff memorandum dated June 4, 2026, be introduced and given first, second and third readings.

The question on Resolution R26/11-8 was not called as discussion ensued with respect to (i) comparing various sizes of development types and the Development Cost Charges (DCC) that will be charged, (ii) incentivizing developers, and (iii) the use of square footage as the SSMUH unit of measurement to calculate DCC.

The question on Resolution R26/11-8 was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllr. Loo opposed.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mayor Brodie advised that in a past Closed meeting, Council made a referral to staff asking them to look at the matter of seniors experiencing homelessness.  Staff will bring forward a report to Open General Purposes on June 15, 2026 regarding this matter.

BYLAWS FOR ADOPTION

R26/11-9

It was moved and seconded

That the following bylaws be adopted:

Traffic Bylaw 5870, Amendment Bylaw No. 10750;

Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw No. 10760

(Density Bonus in Standard Zones);

Affordable Housing Density Benefits Reserve Fund Establishment, Bylaw No. 10761

CARRIED

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT PANEL

R26/11-10

18.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the minutes of the Development Permit Panel meeting held on May 27, 2026, and the Chair’s report for the Development Permit Panel meeting held on March 25, 2026, be received for information; and

(2)

That the recommendations of the Panel to authorize the issuance of Development Permit (DP 25-037550) for the properties at 3071 St. Edwards Drive, be endorsed, and the Permits so issued.

CARRIED

PUBLIC DELEGATIONS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

R26/11-11

19.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on non‑agenda items (8:17 p.m.).

CARRIED

Michael Bishop, Richmond resident, spoke to his submission (Copy on File, City Clerk’s office) regarding the CG2 zoning for the property at 7991 No. 1 Road and asked Council to consider whether the character and principal function of this use is consistent with the intended character of a CG2 site in a residential neighborhood.

As a result of the delegation the following referral motion was introduced:

R26/11-12

It was moved and seconded

That the presentation from Michael Bishop regarding the CG2 zoning designation at 7991 No. 1 Road be referred to staff and brought back to a Planning Committee.

CARRIED

R26/11-13

20.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (8:27 p.m.).

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

R26/11-14

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (8:28 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the Regular meeting of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Monday, June 8, 2026.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Corporate Officer (Claudia Jesson)