April 2, 2024 - Minutes
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General Purposes Committee
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Date: |
Tuesday, April 2, 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 4:00 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 18, 2024, be adopted as circulated. |
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CARRIED |
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DELEGATIONS |
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1. |
(1) |
Catharine Hume, Co-Executive Director, RainCity Housing and Sean Spear, Associate Director, RainCity Housing, presented on Alderbridge Supportive Housing highlighting that (i) Alderbridge received an extension for 3.5 years, (ii) provide transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness noting that many of their tenants also experience substance use and mental health challenges, (iii) provide onsite internal and external support services highlighting their Peer Services Department and Tapestry Church partnership, (iv) pet friendly housing and pet care, (v) offer assistance in obtaining identification, filing taxes and educational tools that all support tenants becoming independent, and (vi) currently have 5-6 tenants looking for permanent housing. |
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In reply to queries from Committee, the delegation noted that (i) RainCity is interested in additional supportive housing opportunities in Richmond, (ii) the eligibility criteria is given to those that have lived in Richmond for 1 year with established community connections, (iii) not an abstinent based program focusing on housing first, and (iv) RainCity works with outreach workers daily and the hiring of the City’s outreach staff is welcomed. |
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(2) |
Julie Roberts, Executive Director, Community Builders spoke on Aster Place Supportive Housing noting that (i) Aster Place opened in September 2022, providing transitional housing for 40 people, (ii) pet friendly, inclusive, holistic community based program helping people to stabilize and to gain the skills and tools needed to move on to permanent housing, (iii) provide daily support workers focused on individual plans and primary care, (iv) offer cultural, indigenous, professional and peer services and supports, (v) onsite chef that provides meal programs and education, and (vi) several residents waitlisted for permanent housing. |
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In reply to queries from Committee, the delegate noted that (i) recent rent subsidies received and the hiring of a mobile support worker is helping their residents move into LEMRs and/or private rentals, (ii) Aster Place’s Peer Program allows residents to earn a small income, build a resume and gain employment, (iii) continually looking for affordable housing options and registries within Richmond, and (iv) outreach workers are regularly involved at Aster Place and they look forward to the support and partnership with the City’s outreach staff. |
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(3) |
Brenda Plant, Executive Director, Turning Point Recovery Society, representing the Storeys’ consortium spoke on the Supportive Housing at Storeys highlighting that (i) Storeys innovative design concept includes 129 units of affordable housing, commercial and office space noting the Social Enterprise Café onsite, (ii) the success of Storeys is a collaboration between 3 levels of government and 5 non-profit housing providers, and (iii) Storeys offers a diverse selection of programs and supports for seniors, mental health challenges, addiction use, as well as continuing care and after care programs. |
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In reply to queries from Committee, the delegate noted that (i) affordable housing is the biggest barrier to residents leaving, (ii) residents have access to outreach workers and supports, (iii) an approximate length of stay at Storeys is 5 years, (iv) Richmond Addiction Services and Foundry are great supports for youth addiction, however Richmond does not have a housing program for youth addiction, (v) more social service providers are needed in Richmond but affordable space is difficult to find, and (vi) Turning Point supports the City’s new outreach staff. |
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PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION |
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2. |
RICHMOND ACCESSIBILITY PLAN 2023–2033 (File Ref. No. 08-4055-05) (REDMS No. 7579296) |
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In response to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) the plan is designed to meet the requirements of the Accessible British Columbia Act in addition to the City’s enhanced design guidelines that utilize the new National Standard for the built environment, (ii) a report will be forthcoming with recommendations around the Rick Hansen Foundation standards, (iii) staff will forward the Richmond Accessibility Plan to the Richmond Chamber of Commerce and the business community in Richmond, and (iv) the Let’s Talk Survey feedback allowed staff to review the plan to adjust details and to add clarity. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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(1) |
That the Richmond Accessibility Plan 2023–2033 as outlined in the report titled, “Richmond Accessibility Plan 2023–2033”, dated February 21, 2024 from the Director, Community Social Development, be adopted; and |
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(2) |
That the Richmond Accessibility Plan 2023–2033 be distributed to key partners and organizations, 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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3. |
MANAGER’S REPORT |
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None. |
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ADJOURNMENT |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the meeting adjourn (4:41 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 Tuesday, April 2, 2024. |
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_________________________________ |
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Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie |
Mizuguchi,Andrea |