June 23, 2026 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

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

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 May 26, 2026, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURE DIVISION

1.

Richmond Community Wellness Strategy Progress Update 2024–2025

(File Ref. No. 11-7375-01) (REDMS No. 8371124)

Staff referenced an updated version of Attachment 1, Richmond Community Wellness Strategy (2018-2023) (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1) which was provided on table and will be included in the next Council package.

A video titled, Richmond Community Wellness Strategy (2018-2023), was shared (copy on-file, City Clerk’s Office), highlighting achievements from 2024 and 2025, as well as the major accomplishments of the eight-year implementation of the City’s vision for an active, caring, connected, healthy and thriving community.

It was noted that the City of Richmond was named Canada’s Most Active Community in the 2025 ParticipACTION Community Challenge.

Discussion ensued with respect to (i) the need for a list tracking the City’s strategies and expiry dates, with those strategies automatically included as an ongoing budget line item, (ii) the timing for reviewing and updating City strategies, and (iii) the interconnectedness and alignment with other City Strategies.

In response to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) the pandemic extended the timeline for the current Strategy, and the standard approach is to evaluate strategies at the end of their term and seek Council support for renewal as appropriate, (ii) this Strategy was developed in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health and the Richmond School District, and the development of a new strategy led by the City would take place regardless of that three-way partnership, and (iii) a renewed strategy would provide an opportunity to engage with the community and partners, build on the existing foundation, and respond to emerging priorities.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the achievement document, Richmond Community Wellness Strategy (2018–2023) — Progress Update 2024–2025 as outlined in the report titled, “Richmond Community Wellness Strategy Progress Update 2024–2025”, dated June 1, 2026, be distributed to key community partners and organizations, and posted on the City website; and

(2)

That a one-time additional level request to develop a renewed Richmond Community Wellness Strategy be considered in the 2027 budget process.

CARRIED

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

It was moved and seconded

That staff prepare a City-wide summary of strategies and their expiry dates for Council’s review, and that consideration be given through the budget process to include funding in the base budget for updating City strategies.

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

2.

Minoru Park Vision Plan Phase One Engagement Update and Next Steps

(File Ref. No. 06-2345-20-MINO1) (REDMS No. 8395642)

It was moved and seconded

That the Minoru Park Vision Plan process proceed to Phase Two – development of Minoru Park Vision Plan concept options, as outlined in the staff report titled “Minoru Park Vision Plan Phase One Engagement Update and Next Steps”, dated June 1, 2026, from the General Manager, Parks, Recreation and Culture.

The question on the motion was not called as clarification was requested with respect to a concern regarding lighting on the trails in Minoru Park.

In response to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) while some trails are well lit, other areas are not currently illuminated, and (ii) that an analysis of lighting throughout the park could be undertaken.

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

3.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Richmond Celebrates Soccer

Staff noted that (i) Richmond Celebrates Soccer kicked off on June 12, 2026, with a well-attended event at the Richmond Oval. Other events included the Golden Boot Gathering at Minoru Park on June 18, 2026, (ii) upcoming events include the June 24, 2026, Canada versus Switzerland game viewing at Thompson Community Association’s Community Soccer Fest, the Salmon Festival on July 1, 2026, and South Arm Community Association’s Neighbourhood Block Party – United by Soccer on July 6, 2026, and (iii) the Richmond Celebrates Soccer program has received strong media coverage, with the social media campaign generating 255,000 impressions, the digital ads generating 3.8 million digital impressions, and over 28,000 unique visits to the program website to date.

In response to queries from Committee with respect to promoting community events, staff advised that (i) each community event is unique, and (ii) that promotions are planned for signature community events.

In response to queries with respect to attendance, staff advised that (i) the Richmond Olympic Oval event had an estimated attendance of over 1,000 visitors per day, and (ii) the Minoru Park event attendance ranged between approximately 750 and 1,000 visitors, and Hamilton’s Soccer Slam had an estimated attendance of approximately 350 to 400 visitors.

In response to queries regarding marketing, staff advised that (i) promotion is being undertaken for the overall program and directs residents to the City website, and (ii) that advertising has included a regional approach through 42 media outlets across television, print and radio, with digital and social media promotion also supporting awareness of the events.

(ii)

Pitch and Putt Hours

In response to queries from Committee regarding pitch and putt operating hours, staff advised that hours have been extended for July and August and that pre-pandemic operating hours are expected to resume the following week. Furthermore, it was noted that a pilot program will be scheduled beginning on July 2, 2026, running to September 2026.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn 4:27 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, June 23, 2026.

_________________________________

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Councillor Michael Wolfe
Chair

Christine McLenan,
Recording Secretary