February 24, 2026 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Michael Wolfe, Chair
Councillor Laura Gillanders
Councillor Andy Hobbs
Councillor Bill McNulty

Also Present:

Councillor Carol Day

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 Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on January 27, 2026, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

DELEGATIONS

1.

(1)

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office), Dr. Rebecca Harbut, Chair, Department of Sustainable Agriculture, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), presented the KPU Farm at Garden City Lands 2025 Activity Report.

Discussion ensued regarding (i) the operational capacity of the KPU Farm and a forthcoming feasibility study outlining a defined and costed scope, (ii) the Garden City Legacy Landscape Plan and Garden City Lands Park Development Plan, which includes agricultural fields managed with sustainable practices by KPU, (iii) GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certification of two crop groups, which allows the KPU Farm to sell produce to wholesale buyers requiring GAP certification, (iv) challenges for young farmers, (v) hands-on learning at the KPU Research and Teaching Farm, (vi) management plans for species at risk, (vii) established connections with the Musqueam First Nation, and (viii) the need for a learning space, with the barn being used for storage .

(2)

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office), Jane Fernyhough, Board Chairperson, and Andrew Wade, Executive Director, Richmond Arts Coalition, presented the Richmond Arts Coalition Annual Report.

In response to a query from Committee, Mr. Wade advised that arts news, events, and opportunities are communicated through a comprehensive monthly newsletter and the Richmond Arts Coalition website.

(3)

Linda Barnes and Joanne Teraguchi, Board Co-Chairs, Steveston Historical Society, spoke to Steveston Historical Society’s 50^th Anniversary Celebration planned activities and request for staff assistance, referencing their submission (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1).

Discussion ensued regarding (i) the possibility of including the Steveston Historical Society’s proposed mural on the Pacific Net and Twine building in the City’s Community Mural Program, (ii) the nature of the assistance requested of the City, including support in obtaining the Heritage Alteration Permit, (iii) the existing mural on the west side of the Pacific Net and Twine building, and (iv) the costs associated with the mural and preliminary discussions with artists.

As a result of the discussion, the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the presentation from the Steveston Historical Society on February 24, 2026, be referred to staff to examine ways in which the City can provide assistance on the development of the mural on the Pacific Net and Twine Building, including obtaining the related Heritage Alteration Permit, and any other activities that may be envisioned for the Steveston Historical Society’s 50th Anniversary celebration.

CARRIED

PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURE DIVISION

2.

Richmond Public Art Program 2025 Annual Highlights and Public Art Advisory Committee 2026 Work Plan

(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-01) (REDMS No. 8276246)

In response to a query from Committee, staff advised that information regarding the locations of public art, including descriptions of the artworks and the artists, is available on the City’s website through the Public Art Registry, as well as in brochures distributed at City facilities, including the Cultural Centre, community centres, and City Hall.

The following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That staff examine ways in which the City can increase funding for the Public Art Program in relation to the Community Mural Program, including increasing developer contributions to the Public Art Program.

The question on the referral motion was not called as discussion ensued regarding (i) contributions to the Public Art Program, including the Community Mural Program, (ii) consideration of possible revisions to the Public Art Program Policy, (iii) the City’s developer contributions being in line with other municipalities, and (iv) Council’s consideration of funding through the annual budget process.

Staff advised that a memorandum outlining funding over the last 5-10 years in relation to the Public Art Program can be provided to Committee.

The question on the referral motion was then called and it was CARRIED.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Richmond Public Art Program 2025 Annual Highlights, as outlined in the report titled “Richmond Public Art Program 2025 Annual Highlights and Public Art Advisory Committee 2026 Work Plan”, dated February 2, 2026, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be received for information; and

(2)

That the Richmond Public Art Advisory Committee 2026 Work Plan be approved.

CARRIED

3.

Maintenance and Upkeep of City Owned Street Trees on Fairfax Crescent and Seafair Drive

(File Ref. No. 11-7200-01) (REDMS No. 8256810)

Discussion ensued regarding (i) the City maintaining an inventory of approximately 56,000 trees in streets and parks and receiving an average of 1,800 service requests annually, (ii) urban forest trees being primarily managed through a reactive, request-based model, (iii) the Public Tree Management Strategy vision outlining a long-term goal to transition toward a more proactive and preventative management model, (iv) the higher number of service requests generated by the Seafair community compared to other neighbourhoods, with the elevated demand largely attributable to the greater size and maturity of the tree population in the Seafair area, (v) the annual operating budget for the Urban Forestry program, which includes tree maintenance, planting, inventory management, and development, and the importance of an additional tree pruner, (vi) staff currently reviewing proactive maintenance cycles, which will require long-term investment in staffing and equipment, (vii) maintenance of shrubbery and trees as outlined in the Boulevard Maintenance Regulation Bylaw, (viii) the recommended actions in Seafair being accommodated within existing operational budgets, (ix) tree cutting carried out using standard arboricultural practices as outlined in the Tree Protection Bylaw, and (x) one tree requiring the removal of invasive English ivy, as identified through the tree inspections.

It was moved and seconded

That the report titled “Maintenance and Upkeep of City Owned Street Trees on Fairfax Crescent and Seafair Drive”, dated February 2, 2026, from the Director, Parks Services, be received for information.

CARRIED

4.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Ships to Shore and Richmond Celebrates Soccer

Staff advised that planning for the Kaiwo Maru – King of the Sea 2026 and Richmond Celebrates Soccer events are underway.

Discussion ensued regarding (i) viewing parties and activities organized by Community Associations and (ii) working closely with Tourism Richmond for Richmond Celebrates Soccer programming.

(ii)

 Spring Break in Richmond

Staff highlighted the various recreation, nature, science, and arts opportunities offered for Richmond children and families throughout the upcoming spring break (March 14-29), including a variety of open gym and skating and swimming drop-in activities.

A brief discussion ensued regarding youth activities at Bowling Green Community Activity Centre and UBC Boathouse.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:26 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Michael Wolfe
Chair

Shannon Unrau
Legislative Services Associate