November 4, 2024 - Minutes

Date:

Monday, November 4, 2024

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair
Councillor Chak Au
Councillor Carol Day
Councillor Laura Gillanders
Councillor Kash Heed
Councillor Andy Hobbs
Councillor Alexa Loo
Councillor Bill McNulty
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 General Purposes Committee held on October 15, 2024, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION

1.

Award of Contract 8337P - Database Encryption Project

(File Ref. No. 04-1370-01) (REDMS No. 7803709)

In response to a query from the Committee, staff noted that security is multi-layered, with many different options to be applied to minimize risk, which provides a further level of control and protection to ensure the City’s information cannot be breached.  

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Contract 8337P - Database Encryption Project be awarded to Eclipsys Solutions Inc., for a value of $662,249.16, excluding taxes, for a contract term of five years as described in the report titled “Award of Contract 8337P - Database Encryption Project” dated October 3, 2024, from the Director, Information Technology; and

(2)

That the Chief Administrative Officer and the General Manager, Finance and Corporate Services be authorized to execute the contracts and all related documentation with Eclipsys Solutions Inc.

CARRIED

2.

Award of Contract 8350Q – Supply and Delivery of Microsoft Subscription Licensing

(File Ref. No. 04-1300-01) (REDMS No. 7793657)

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Contract 8350Q – Supply and Delivery of Microsoft Subscription Licensing be awarded to NetraClouds Inc. for a three-year term for an estimated value of $2,180,995.50, excluding taxes as described in the report titled “Award of Contract 8350Q – Supply and Delivery of Microsoft Subscription Licensing” dated October 3, 2024, from the Director, Information Technology; and

(2)

That the Chief Administrative Officer and the General Manager, Finance and Corporate Services be authorized to execute the contracts and all related documentation with NetraClouds Inc.

CARRIED

3.

Draft Community Wayfinding Strategy

(File Ref. No. 08-4150-04-06) (REDMS No. 7823529)

Staff provided a brief PowerPoint presentation as a short introduction and overview of the Community Wayfinding initiative and strategic recommendations, core to the strategy (copy on file, City Clerk’s office).  The two family of signage options (Richmond brand signage and logo) were provided noting two colour options for each of the gateway entry signs (deployed depending on location) and the directional and directory signage.  Next steps include public engagement on the Draft Strategy to invite feedback on the draft itself, design and colour options, and input on opportunities for implementation, with the Final Strategy and Implementation Framework to Council, winter 2024/25

In response to queries from the Committee, staff noted (i) the two colour options, as presented, will be taken back to the public for their input, (ii) there are localization opportunities that are built into the Strategy, so there will be opportunities through implementation, both on the signs but also through non-signage wayfinding elements to further develop pride of place and that sense of localization in the various communities, (iii) the blue colour of Option 1 is the City’s brand blue, deepened to enhance the contrast to 80% for greater accessibility and the yellow there is the City’s brand yellow, (iv) staff are aware of the six locations where signs are currently, and would anticipate that before implementing new entry signs there would be consultation with the community to assess those locations and to look at whether there would be any changes to that, and (v) in terms of whether the larger sign or taller sign, there would be a number of considerations location specific in terms of engineering and public works consideration, so space allowance would be part of the community consultation as well.

It was moved and seconded

That the draft Community Wayfinding Strategy, as detailed in the staff report titled “Draft Community Wayfinding Strategy”, dated October 11, 2024, from the Director, Business Services, be endorsed for public consultation.

CARRIED

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

4.

Proposed Updates to the Richmond Community Homelessness Table Terms of Reference

(File Ref. No. 07-3000-00) (REDMS No. 7787794)

In response to queries from the Committee, staff noted (i) the Richmond Community Homelessness Table is intended to provide strategic oversight into the Homelessness Strategy and the implementation of that strategy has not had any elected official participation on it, (ii) the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition is an information and advocacy group and the members of the table currently are either government entities, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Vancouver Coastal Health, City of Richmond, or are service providers delivering services to individuals who are currently or have recently experienced homelessness in Richmond, so there is some challenge with including advocacy activities and some of the strategic conversations that are taking place related to policy, service provision and service implementation, (iii) currently this group is meeting quarterly and that has been seasonally very effective (e.g., often seasonal changes to service delivery, seasonal changes to demographics), so currently ensuring that the right people are at the table has been well achieved on a quarterly basis, and (iv) there is a statement in the Terms of Reference that provides the committee the authority to invite outside agencies or critical staff from various government organizations to attend a meeting.

It was moved and seconded

That the amended Terms of Reference for the Richmond Community Homelessness Table as outlined in the staff report titled “Proposed Updates to the Richmond Community Homelessness Table Terms of Reference”, dated October 15, 2024, from the Director, Community Social Development, be endorsed.

CARRIED

DEPUTY CAO’S OFFICE

5.

Award of Contract 8300Q – On-Call Refrigeration Contractor Services

(File Ref. No. 10-6000-01) (REDMS No. 7780627)

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Contract 8300Q – On-Call Refrigeration Contractor Services be awarded to Cimco Refrigeration, a Division of Toromont Industries Inc. (Cimco Refrigeration) for a three-year term for an aggregate value of $750,000.00, excluding taxes, as described in the report titled "Award of Contract 8300Q – On-Call Refrigeration Contractor Services," dated October 7, 2024 from the Director, Facilities and Project Development;

(2)

That the Chief Administrative Officer and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to extend the initial three-year term, up to a maximum of five years, for an additional value of $506,250.00 excluding taxes; and

(3)

That the Chief Administrative Officer and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to execute the contracts and all related documentation with Cimco Refrigeration over the maximum five-year term.

CARRIED

ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION

6.

Updated Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code Compliance Options for New Single Detached and Duplex Homes

MEMO - ENERGY STEP CODE AND ZERO CARBON STEP CODE COMPLIANCE OPTIONS
(File Ref. No. 10-6125-01) (REDMS No. 7763319)

Staff provided a brief PowerPoint summary presentation (copy on file City Clerk’s office) to give an overview of the updated Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code compliance options for new single detached homes and duplex homes.

It was moved and seconded

That the remote participants be permitted to enter the meeting via Zoom to speak on Item 6.

CARRIED

Cathy Yan, Richmond resident, spoke in support of the City to stay on course by maintaining the current Richmond Zero Carbon Energy Step Code timeline.

Bill Tieleman, BC Coalition for Affordable Dependable Energy, provided an overview of the Coalition, expressing support for Option 3 as outlined in the staff report, noting that Options 1 and 2 effectively ban renewable natural gas and natural gas choices.

Mike McNeice, Director of Public Affairs, Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association of Canada, spoke on behalf of the members in favour of Option 3 of the staff report.  Mr. McNeice provided a brief background of the Association, noting that members already comply with extensive existing environmental regulations that are committed to addressing the reality of climate change, noting that addressing climate change effectively should include increasing renewable natural gas as part of the solution.  Mr. McNeice further noted that Option 3 follows Provincial guidelines and locally it will simplify Step Code adoption, giving residents and businesses more time to adapt.

Naomi Leung, Richmond resident, spoke to global climate responsibility and encouraged the City to continue to invest in the future, be a climate leader and noted preference for the City to continue status quo or Option 1 of the proposed three options be selected if a change to the current Zero Carbon Energy Step Code timeline is determined.

Judith Brook, Metro Vancouver resident, spoke in support for the City to continue its Zero Carbon Energy Step Code implementation timeline of 2025 without delay, to support a healthy and sustainable environment that offers many renewable energy choices.

Steve Kemp, Richmond resident and qualified net zero builder since 1981, spoke to the perceived obstacle of knowledge when building net zero, noting it can be taught very effectively and should not hinder moving forward in an accelerated timeline together with policies backed up by the proper program(s) internally.

Vanessa Connolly, Director of Community and Indigenous Relations, Fortis BC, provided a brief PowerPoint presentation (copy on file, City Clerks office) and to speak in support of Option 3 of the staff report, which allows Richmond residents to have the flexibility in how they heat their homes by choosing energy use and access to the gas system while ensuring those who prefer electricity continue to have that option available.  An overview of the Fortis BC Climate Action Plan and commitment to decarbonizing the gas system was provided, noting that Fortis BC is the largest energy provider in BC, delivering natural gas, renewable natural gas, electricity and propane to 1.2 million people, including nearly 50,000 homes and businesses in the City of Richmond.  It was further noted that restricting access to the gas system not only limits customer choices but also removes another path for achieving a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the City moving forward.

Olga Ilich, former Richmond resident, spoke to the perceived financial impact and absence of sufficient infrastructure resulting from an expedited timeline of the Richmond Zero Carbon Energy Step Code, and requested the City select Option 3 outlined in the staff report.

Stephanie Sy, Richmond resident, urged the City to maintain the current Richmond Zero Carbon Energy Step Code timeline or to accelerate it and allow some exceptions for builders who are having trouble with compliance.

Eva Jin, Richmond resident, spoke to the many health concerns related to climate change and pollution and the need to protect the environment to ensure clean air for future generations, and urged the City to maintain the current Richmond Zero Carbon Energy Step Code timeline without delay or alteration.

Dana Westermark, Richmond resident, spoke to his experience as the owner of an energy company serving thousands of customers in the lower mainland and the BC interior, the challenges faced for electric only homes to ensure reliable and safe heating and cooling systems (particularly in the interior where there are extreme weather related power outages), the associated risks in not having a natural gas back up and future concerns for capacity and distribution of electricity.  Mr. Westermark requested the City consider adopting Option 3 of the proposed three options for the Richmond Zero Carbon Energy Step Code timeline going forward.

Rosalyn C. RainDancer, holistic realtor, spoke to the benefits of building more energy efficient homes from the perspective of consumer demand and economics, and urged the City to prioritize and accelerate energy efficiency in new developments.

Bruce Murdoch, professional home builder, spoke to his experience and the resulting affordability and efficiency of building electric single family and small multi-family homes.

Sunil Singal, spoke on behalf of Stand Earth, in favour of the City maintaining leadership in its current Zero Carbon Energy Step Code timeline, noting that keeping with the original timeline ensures new homes built in 2025 will have safer and more sustainable alternatives like heat pumps that not only provide heating but also air conditioning, which is becoming so important.

Sharon Dodd, Richmond resident, spoke to pollution related health and well-being concerns for all and the immediate need to enact strict standards to protect the environment to ensure clean air for future generations.  Ms. Dodd urged the City to maintain the current Richmond Zero Carbon Energy Step Code timeline or Option 1 of the proposed three options under consideration.

Shaena Furlong, President and CEO, Richmond Chamber of Commerce, spoke to climate change, home affordability and keeping Richmond liveable for future generations by making zero carbon readiness more affordable, efficient and accessible.

Barry Penner, member of the public and former BC Minster of Environment, spoke to the introduction of BC’s first carbon tax, and noted that many people overlook that on an average basis annually, electricity itself accounts for only 17% of BC’s actual energy consumption, with 83% coming from other sources; to keep our economy going (hospitals, schools, transportation, etc.) takes a lot of energy besides electricity.  Mr. Penner further noted that trying to displace that other 83% with electricity only is unfortunately not possible as, despite best efforts, BC has become dependent on its neighbours for electricity imports for that 17% of energy demand.  Mr. Penner expressed concern about being dependent on other sources, and that despite Site C, will still be in a situation to import electricity.  Further concern was expressed regarding increasing pressure on the electricity system impacting the future of supply.

30 pieces of correspondence were received and distributed on table (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1).

In response to queries from Committee, staff noted (i) the information about 17% of BC’s energy coming from electricity is true, but it is a measure of energy consumption, not a measure of useful energy, so there isn’t the need to generate five times as much electricity to meet energy needs; the energy needed to consume to produce the needed energy goes down dramatically because it is a measurement of consumption including the inefficient use of energy as opposed to energy needs, (ii) the administrative change the City made in June to allow back up gas if desired in a system that is primarily electric heat pump based, largely came as a request from some builders that wanted to have in-floor radiant heat in single detached and duplex homes, (iii) in most cases, categorically heat pumps are 300% more efficient and models are getting more and more efficient over time; heating and cooling in buildings is largely heat pump based, (iv) the $425 per sq. ft. noted as an average total of construction costs is a median value of construction as of 2024 that was taken from a number of customer facing sites on the cost of new housing in the lower mainland, and the costing increment of building to of Steps 3, 4 and 5 were taken directly from the most recent Energy Step Code costing report that was commissioned by the Province and done in 2022, and (v) a statistic derived from looking at the average number of service interruptions indicated the number of hours without power have been one-third below the average BC Hydro has.

It was moved and seconded

That Option 2, as outlined in the report titled “Updated Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code Compliance Options for New Single Detached and Duplex Homes”, from the Director, Climate and Environment, dated September 19, 2024, to continue the existing approach and delay next steps to match Provincial timelines, including extending the next two increments in Step Code requirements for single-detached houses and duplexes to 2027, 2030 and 2032; providing three full years between each increment, be endorsed.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued with respect to the merits of Option 2.

In response to queries from the Committee, staff noted (i) the base comparator calculation was centred on the City maintaining status quo requirements into 2025 and the intentions of each bylaw, (ii) Step Code 5 does not restrict the ability for natural gas heating for homes, and (iii) Step Code 5 is not as high of energy efficiency as passive house, but is a high level and includes the air tightness test.

The question on the motion was then called and it was DEFEATED with Cllrs. Day, Gillanders, Heed, Hobbs, Loo, McNulty and Wolfe opposed.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the report titled “Updated Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code Compliance Options for New Single Detached and Duplex Homes”, from the Director, Climate and Environment, dated September 19, 2024, be received for information; and

(2)

That staff create policies that allows Council to consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis to allow new homes to have gas hook-up if BC Hydro cannot provide the electric service that is required.

There was agreement to deal with Parts (1) and (2) of the motion separately.

The question on Part (1) of the motion was then called and it was CARRIED with Mayor Brodie and Cllrs. Au, Hobbs and Loo opposed.

The question on Part (2) of the motion was not called as a brief discussion ensued with respect to the rationale for exemptions.

The question on Part (2) of the motion was then called and it was CARRIED.

The following referral motion was then introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That staff consider a policy for exceptions/conditions to the status quo for step code requirements.

The question on the referral motion was not called as further discussion ensued with respect to the parameters for exceptions.

The question on referral motion was then called and it was DEFEATED with Mayor Brodie and Cllrs. Day, Gillanders, Heed, Hobbs and Wolfe opposed.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (7:00 p.m.).

CARRIED

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, November 4, 2024.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Chair

Lorraine Anderson
Legislative Services Associate