May 5, 2026 - Minutes
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Planning Committee
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Date: |
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 |
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Place: |
Anderson Room |
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Present: |
Councillor Bill McNulty, Chair |
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Also Present: |
Councillor Kash Heed Councillor Michael 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 21, 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. 08-4045-30-04) (REDMS No. 8382761) |
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Sandra McBurney, 7171 Bridge St, Richmond spoke to her submission (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1), sharing her concerns about the re-evaluation that recommends Council receive the report for information, deferring further action pending a citywide ESA review on all private properties. She noted that a portion of her property is designated an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) and requested Council to remove the ESA designation from her properties and to notify all homeowners of any proposed or assigned ESA designations. |
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Staff provided a brief summary of the report noting that the report is in response to two Council referrals related to ESA’s that were made following the January 19, 2026 Public Hearing meeting. |
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In response to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) work is being undertaken in response to a referral from Council which directed staff to review the potential removal of ESA designations from all private properties across the city, (ii) this referral will involve reviewing how other jurisdictions manage ESA’s and will be a substantial undertaking, (iii) staff would need Council direction to remove the ESA designations from the subject property and can prepare amendments to the OCP if required, (iv) a referral response report will be brought forward to Council in Fall 2026, (v) the subject properties characteristics are consistent with the definition of a terrestrial or forested ESA, (vi) based on staff site visits, the subject property is approximately 20 percent ESA, (vii) most of the private properties designated ESA are agriculturally zoned, a small percentage are residentially zoned across the city, and (viii) terrestrial ESA is most flexible for compensating off-site compared to other ESA’s. |
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Discussion ensued with respect to (i) the ESA designation being a result of an overgrown yard, (ii) development being limited by costs, (iii) tree density maximum, (iv) specific areas being designated ESA, (v) consideration of species at risk, (vi) ESA assessment and compensation, (vii) maximizing density, and (viii) the existence of ESA not stop development but does add costs. |
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As a result of the discussion the following motion was introduced: |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) designation in the outlined areas (privately owned properties between Thompson and Boundary Roads, and south of Thompson Gate in the Hamilton area) be rescinded effective immediately. |
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The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued with respect to reviewing all ESA’s on privately owned properties. |
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The question on the motion was then called and it was CARRIED. |
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Discussion ensued with regard (i) to reviewing the tree bylaw with respect to maximum density of trees on a given property and with respect to delaying or preventing building on a property, and (ii) the two to one replacement ratio of trees to potentially determine if there should be a maximum amount of trees. |
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Councillor Heed left the meeting at (4:50 pm.) and did not return. |
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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 review the tree bylaw to give options for the compensation ratio and potential maximum density of trees on properties, with respect to the delay and building of properties, and report back. |
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CARRIED Opposed: Cllr. Day |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the report titled “Referral Response: Re-Evaluation of the Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) Mapping for the Thompson and Boundary Roads Area of Hamilton” dated April 17, 2026, from the General Manager, Planning and Development, be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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2. |
(File Ref. No. 1-0157-30-RGST1) (REDMS No. 8377894) |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the report titled “Response to Metro Vancouver’s Referral: Metro 2050 Regional Growth Strategy Amendment Proposed by the City of Maple Ridge for the North 256 Street Industrial Lands Area Plan”, dated April 13, 2026 from the General Manager, Planning and Development, be submitted to the Metro Vancouver Regional District Board as part of Metro Vancouver’s consultation process. |
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CARRIED |
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3. |
(File Ref. No. 1-0157-30-RGST1) (REDMS No. 8379255) |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the report titled “Response to Metro Vancouver’s Referral: Metro 2050 Regional Growth Strategy Amendment Proposed by the City of Surrey for Metro 2050 Type 2 Proposed Amendment – City of Surrey (Hazelmere)”, dated April 13, 2026 from the General Manager, Planning and Development, be submitted to the Metro Vancouver Regional District Board as part of Metro Vancouver’s consultation process. |
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CARRIED |
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4. |
MANAGER’S REPORT |
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(i) |
Nominations for the 2026 Heritage Awards |
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The Richmond Heritage Commission invites nominations for the 2026 Heritage Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations for their accomplishments in Heritage Conservation, and education, and awareness of Richmond’s diverse heritage. Nominations are open to all until June 14, 2026. Advertising will be done via the City’s website, social media, the Richmond Sentinel, and digital transit shelters. |
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ADJOURNMENT |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the meeting adjourn (5:00 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, May 5, 2026. |
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_________________________________ |
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Councillor Bill McNulty |
Raman Grewal |