March 18, 2024 - Minutes
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General Purposes Committee
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Date: |
Monday, March 18, 2024 |
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Place: |
Council Chambers |
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Present: |
Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair |
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Call to Order: |
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. |
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MINUTES |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on March 4, 2024, be adopted as circulated. |
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CARRIED |
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DELEGATION |
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1. |
Robert Kiesman, Board Chairman, Steveston Harbour Authority, spoke in opposition of the Steveston Transit Exchange, referencing their submission (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office). |
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FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION |
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2. |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY UPDATE |
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In response to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) the Economic Development Strategy work plan will include engagement with the business and broader community to provide input and help develop the strategy vision, as well as research and analysis of Richmond’s strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities to better inform strategy goals, (ii) a staff report to provide results of the research and analysis phase and information on plans for upcoming business and public engagement is forthcoming, and (iii) the City website has quarterly reports and interactive data for the public’s information and the facilitation of business engagement in public consultation includes various activities undertaken by the City such as the Circular City Strategy and Community Wayfinding Strategy. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the approach to updating the City’s Economic Development Strategy as outlined in the staff report titled, “Economic Development Strategy Update,” dated February 23, 2024, from the Director, Business Services, be endorsed. |
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CARRIED |
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PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION |
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3. |
HOMELESSNESS STRATEGY 2019-2029: 2023 UPDATE |
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In response to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) there has been a gradual increase in the use of drop-in centres and a memorandum comparing previous years’ drop-in statistics will be provided, (ii) there is still sufficient room at the Brighouse Drop-in Centre to meet the needs of the people using it on a daily basis, and (iii) Turning Point Recovery Society has been working with the individuals utilizing the Brighouse Pavilion and South Arm Outdoor Pool Warming Centres to provide referrals to other shelter and housing programs. |
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Discussion ensued regarding the issue of homelessness in Richmond and support for individuals who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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(1) |
That the Homelessness Strategy 2019–2029: 2023 Update, as outlined in the staff report titled “Homelessness Strategy 2019–2029: 2023 Update", dated February 12, 2024 from the Director, Community Social Development, be received for information; and |
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(2) |
That the Homelessness Strategy 2019–2029: 2023 Update be distributed to key community partners, local Members of Parliament, local Members of the Legislative Assembly and posted on the City’s website. |
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CARRIED |
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Discussion ensued regarding the need for additional shelter space in Richmond. As a result of the discussion, the following referral motion was introduced: |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That staff investigate the need and options for another shelter in Richmond. |
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The question on the referral motion was not called as discussion ensued regarding (i) the increase in homelessness and required resources, (ii) access to various types of housing other than shelters and supportive housing, and (iii) involving the provincial government in the City’s Homelessness Strategy. |
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The question on the referral motion was then called and it was CARRIED. |
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ADJOURNMENT |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the meeting adjourn (3:27 p.m.). |
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CARRIED |
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Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Monday, March 18, 2024. |
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Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie |
Shannon Unrau |