April 21, 2026 - Minutes
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Planning Committee
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Date: |
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 |
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Place: |
Anderson Room |
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Present: |
Councillor Bill McNulty, Chair |
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Also Present: |
Councillor Laura Gillanders Councillor Micheal Wolfe (by teleconference) |
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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 Planning Committee held on April 8, 2026, be adopted as circulated. |
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CARRIED |
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PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION |
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1. |
(File Ref. No. ZT 26-004041) (REDMS No. 8335581) |
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Discussion ensued with respect to reviewing the Building Permit and Development Permit applications concurrently. Staff advised that the Building Permit and Development Permit applications can be reviewed concurrently and that the applicant has not yet submitted a Building Permit application. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 10747, for a Zoning Text Amendment to the “Agriculture (AG1)” zone to permit the development of a 936 m² greenhouse with concrete footings for agricultural purposes at 8200 Steveston Highway be introduced and given first reading. |
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Councillor Day entered the meeting (4:05 p.m.) |
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The question on the motion was not called as in response to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) the proposed application is to allow for a greenhouse with soil flooring, permeable rubber mats for walking, and concrete footings, and (ii) as per BC Assessment the subject property does have farm status. |
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The question on the motion was then called and it was CARRIED. |
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2. |
Heritage Alteration Permit for 3711 and 3731 Chatham Street (Steveston Methodist Church) (File Ref. No. HA 25-022376) (REDMS No. 8360640) |
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Discussion ensued with respect to the potential for opening of the lane to the north of the subject property. Staff advised that there is no intention to open the lane at this time. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That a Heritage Alteration Permit be issued for the protected heritage property at 3711 and 3731 Chatham Street (Steveston Methodist Church), which would permit exterior alterations. |
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CARRIED |
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3. |
YOUTH WELL-BEING AND Celebrate youTH CAMPAIGN (File Ref. No. 07-3425-01) (REDMS No. 8149834) |
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Discussion ensued with respect to youth mental health concerns, with staff noting that information was presented at a recent Youth Advisory Committee including data from a 2023 McCreary Centre Society’s BC Adolescent Health Survey and the 2023 and 2024 Youth Development Instrument with trends showing a decline in Richmond youth reporting good or excellent mental health (74% in 2018 to 60% in 2023) and a decrease in those feeling hopeful about their future (60% in 2018 to 49% in 2023). |
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Further discussion ensued with respect to (i) ensuring youth are aware of available services and community resources, (ii) the impact of social media on youth well being and (iii) collaborating with stakeholders to improve connectivity and social interaction. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the report titled “Youth Well-Being and Celebrate YOUth Campaign”, dated April 7, 2026, from the Director, Community Social Development, be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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4. |
Engaging Seniors in Age-Friendly Planning: 2025 Update and Summary of Findings (File Ref. No. 08-4055-01) (REDMS No. 8275871) |
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Discussion ensued with respect to (i) communication, engagement and awareness for seniors, and (ii) the importance of providing information in accessible formats such as printed materials, as not everyone uses digital platforms. |
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Er Jun Ma, Organizer, Movement: Metro Vancouver Transit Riders, spoke to his submission (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1) highlighting the importance of ensuring that transit in Richmond works well for seniors and protects their freedom of mobility, as well as noting his recommendations for improvement. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the report titled “Engaging Seniors in Age-Friendly Planning: 2025 Update and Summary of Findings”, dated April 7, 2026, from the Director, Community Social Development, be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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5. |
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 (4:28 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 Planning Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. |
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_________________________________ |
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Councillor Bill McNulty |
Raman Grewal |