May 27, 2025 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Michael Wolfe, Chair
Councillor Laura Gillanders

Councillor Andy Hobbs
Councillor Bill McNulty

Absent:

Councillor Chak Au

Also Present:

Councillor Carol Day (by teleconference)

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 April 29, 2025, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

DELEGATIONS

1.

Kate Humble, on behalf of Parks Canada, and Tenney Homma, granddaughter of Tomekichi Homma, spoke on the addition of a plaque recognizing the National Historic Event related to Tomekichi Homma at the Japanese Fishermens’ Benevolent Society (JFBS) building.

Ms. Humble noted the JFBS building is appropriate due to connections with Tomekichi Homma and with the Japanese Canadians who fundraised to help support the legal fees of Mr. Homma in the National Historic Event known as Cunninham v. Homma. Ms. Homma noted it has taken 13 years to locate an appropriate location for the permanent installation of the plaque, and that the installation at the JFBS building would be an honour to Mr. Homma’s legacy.

In response to queries from Committee, the delegation noted (i) the steps taken to identify a permanent location to secure the plaque, and (ii) that there has not been any discussion with Richmond School District #38 pertaining to the plaque.

Two additional letters of support were provided on table (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1).

 1A.

Jim Tanaka spoke to his submission, including signed petitions proposing the installation of the plaque recognizing the National Historic Event related to Tomekichi Homma be installed at the Homma Elementary School. A further page of signed petitions in support was provided on-table (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 2).

In addition to the information submitted, Mr. Tanaka noted, (i) the proposed plaque installation at Homma Elementary School ensures Mr. Homma’s legacy endures, (ii) it is the most appropriate, suitable and visible location to honour Mr. Homma, providing the opportunity of a brief history of Mr. Homma’s achievements within a building also complimented by Japanese inspired design, and (iii) public access would be by appointment during school hours.

Discussion ensued regarding the opportunity to honour Mr. Homma in both locations (JFBX building and Homma Elementary School), with the National Historic Event plaque to be installed at the JBFS building, and to also consider a second plaque or something significant within Homma Elementary School that further honours the history of Mr. Homma and the Japanese Canadian community.

It was moved and seconded

That the proposed location for the installation of the National Historic Event Designation Cunningham v. Tomey Homma plaque, in the front garden of the Japanese Benevolent Fishermen’s Society Building, be supported in principle, and that the application process for the associated Heritage Alteration Permit required for the building, proceed.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued noting (i) the 125^th anniversary of the important landmark legal case Cunninham v. Homma, (ii) the importance of the JBFS heritage building that will remain in place, updated and preserved, providing a permanent location for the National Historic Event plaque, and (iii) concern expressed with respect to encouraging the public to access the school to view the historical plaque.

The following referral motion was then introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the presentation from Jim Tanaka at the May 27, 2025 Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee meeting, regarding the proposed additional plaque recognizing the National Historical Event related to Tomekichi Homma at Homma Elementary School, be referred to the Council/School Board Liaison Committee.

The question on the referral motion was not called as staff reported they had reached out to Richmond School District No. 38 earlier who advised they are checking if there are any guidelines or policies to be considered, and that the matter would need to be considered by the Richmond School Board.

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

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

PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURE DIVISION

2.

2025-2026 Engaging Artists in Community Program Public Art Projects

(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-20-089) (REDMS No. 7999500)

It was moved and seconded

That the 2025-2026 Engaging Artists in Community Program Public Art Projects, as presented in the staff report titled “2025-2026 Engaging Artists in Community Program Public Art Projects”, dated May 5, 2025, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be approved.

CARRIED

3.

Proposed Practices to Accelerate Blackberry Management in Richmond

(File Ref. No. 10-6160-07-01) (REDMS No. 7808159)

In response to queries from Committee, staff noted (i) with the proposed pilot of Option 1, staff would focus on pedestrian trails, park areas and multi-use pathways, with exact locations to be determined, (ii) approximately 10 years ago the use of sheep or goats was considered for invasive species management, however it was determined to be cost prohibitive, (iii) the effect of repeated mowing would be an effective control method, however fully eradicating blackberry is challenging because of how its seed is disbursed, (iv) developed park areas such as Railway Greenway and Garden City Lands, are good examples where blackberry is effectively being managed, having had the sites cleared, replanted with new vegetation and at that time considered to be clean and free of blackberry, and (v) the City has not used pesticides on blackberry; the use of pesticides would need Council endorsement and could only be used in areas not accessible by residents.

Cognizant of the budgetary impact, Committee noted Option 2 provides a commitment to accelerate blackberry management and achieve greater success in significantly reducing the rate of blackberry growth in multiple areas.

It was moved and seconded

That Option 2, as outlined in the staff report titled “Proposed Practices to Accelerate Blackberry Management in Richmond”, dated May 5, 2025, from the Director, Climate and Environment and the Director, Parks Services, for the implementation of an annual blackberry management program be approved.

CARRIED

4.

Hugh Boyd Community Park Playground Renewal – Engagement Results and Next Steps

(File Ref. No. 06-2345-20-HBOY1) (REDMS No. 8006401)

In response to queries from Committee, staff noted (i) end of life for parks playground equipment is approximately 18 years; in this case it has been 16 years since the last update to the western side of the park playground, (ii) a playground fund is brought forward as part of the capital submission every year and typically identifies one to four playgrounds from a revolving list of required equipment replacements, and (iii) the playground is open for everyone to use.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the priorities and scope as outlined in the Playground Renewal section in the staff report titled “Hugh Boyd Community Park Playground Renewal – Engagement Results and Next Steps”, dated May 5, 2025, from the Director, Park Services, be approved; and

(2)

That staff proceed with next steps as outlined in the staff report titled “Hugh Boyd Community Park Playground Renewal – Engagement Results and Next Steps”, dated May 5, 2025, from the Director, Park Services.

CARRIED

The Chair advised an additional Item No. 4A be added to the agenda.

4A.

UPDATES ON 2026 MAJOR CITY EVENTS

Major events scheduled for 2026 were noted, including:

§   

Kaiwo Maru arrival in Steveston - May, 2026;

§   

Steveston Maritime Festival - August, 2026; and

§   

FIFA World Cup (Vancouver) - June, 2026.

As part of the Manager’s Report, it was requested that staff provide status updates for the 2026 major events on a regular basis.

5.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Doors Open – June 7-8, 2025

Staff advised the 18th annual Doors Open Richmond takes place on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday June 8, with more than 50 sites across the city participating.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:14 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, May 27, 2025.

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Councillor Michael Wolfe
Chair

Lorraine Anderson
Legislative Services Associate