June 24, 2025 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Michael Wolfe, Chair

Councillor Chak Au
Councillor Laura Gillanders
Councillor Andy Hobbs
Councillor Bill McNulty

Call to Order:

The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

July 23, 2025, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room.

MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on May 27, 2025, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

DELEGATION

1.

Sharon Dodd, a lifelong Richmond resident, addressed the Committee regarding the escalating crisis of plastic pollution. She highlighted the following key points:

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the City should explore transitioning to reusable food and beverage containers at major City events;

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plastics are often mishandled, from unnecessary use to improper disposal;

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every piece of plastic ever produced continues to exist in some form;

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studies have found microplastics present in human organs; and

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there are strong correlations between plastic exposure and various health concerns, including autism, ADHD, preterm births, infertility, Alzheimer’s, and other conditions.

Ms. Dodd urged the Committee to undertake data collection and requested that staff audit the volume of single-use plastics used at this year’s Salmon Festival and track their disposal outcomes. She encouraged the Committee to develop a policy in partnership with vendors and set a target date for implementing a reusable container strategy.

In response to a query from the Committee, staff advised that the City currently achieves a 90% waste diversion rate and that food trucks at events must comply with the City’s single-use plastics bylaw, using only recyclable or compostable containers. Staff also noted that an outstanding referral related to the use of reusable containers remains in progress and that further information could be provided regarding practices at the Richmond Night Market.

Staff highlighted a recent news feature on Global News showcasing the Golden Spin and Strength class for seniors aged 75 to 95, held at the West Richmond Community Centre, and presented a video clip of the coverage.

PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURE DIVISION

2.

Opportunity for a Book on the History of the Chinese Canadian Community in Richmond

(File Ref. No. 11-7141-01) (REDMS No. 8047187)

Discussion took place regarding (i) the transcription of vignettes from the Chinese Bunkhouse, (ii) ongoing discussions with the museum about establishing more permanent exhibitions the Chinese Canadian Community in Richmond, and (iii) providing Council with copies of A Thematic Guide to the Early Records of Chinese Canadians in Richmond from the Richmond Archives.

It was moved and seconded

That the report titled “Opportunity for a Book on the History of the Chinese Community in Richmond” dated June 2, 2025, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage be received for information.

CARRIED

3.

Garden City Park Gathering Space Concept Plan and Contribution Agreement

(File Ref. No. 06-2345-20-MNOR1) (REDMS No. 7970530)

In response to a query from Committee, staff advised that a design plan is currently being prepared and once approved by Council, signage will be installed on-site to invite public feedback.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Concept Plan for the Garden City Park gathering space, as detailed in the staff report titled “Garden City Park Gathering Space Concept Plan and Contribution Agreement”, dated June 2, 2025, from the Director, Park Services, be approved; and

(2)

That staff be authorized to take all necessary steps to complete all matters detailed herein, including authorizing the Chief Administrative Officer and General Manager Parks, Recreation and Culture to negotiate and execute all documentation related to a Contribution Agreement with the Rotary Club of Richmond Sunset.

CARRIED

4.

Parks, Recreation and Culture Allocation Policy

(File Ref. No. 11-7000-01) (REDMS No. 8056183)

Staff provided an overview of the report and highlighted the following key points:

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the Parks, Recreation and Culture (PRC) Allocation Policy will serve as a framework to guide the allocation of PRC facilities for community use;

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the policy is intended to address existing gaps and promote equitable access to PRC infrastructure;

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it will enhance consistency and ensure transparency in decision-making processes for all users of the space; and

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community organizations, facility users, and residents will have the opportunity to provide input and feedback on the policy.

In response queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) the policy will enhance transparency and provide clearer guidance to staff, supporting the consistent application of policies and decision-making; and (ii) while some facilities are currently governed by specific policies and others are not, this policy is intended to apply uniformly to all PRC facilities.

It was moved and seconded

That the development of a Parks, Recreation and Culture Allocation Policy as outlined in the staff report titled “Parks, Recreation and Culture Allocation Policy”, dated June 2, 2025, from the Director, Recreation and Sport Services, be approved.

CARRIED

4A.

scotch pond management

(File Ref. No.)

Discussion took place on management of Scotch Pond and as a result the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That staff explore options and consult with the Steveston Historic Sites Building Committee on the management of Scotch Pond, and report back.

CARRIED

4B.

king george park outdoor exercise equipment

(File Ref. No.)

Discussion took place regarding the potential installation of outdoor exercise equipment at King George Park.

In response, staff advised that a master planning process for King George Park is currently underway, and the inclusion of outdoor exercise equipment can be explored and considered as part of that plan.

5.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Kaiwo Maru

Staff provided an update and advised that several changes are being introduced, including: (i) new safety requirements for boarding the ships, such as the implementation of waivers, (ii) limitations on the maximum height to which the sails can be raised, and (iii) restrictions on the number of individuals permitted on board at one time. Staff noted that only preliminary discussions have taken place to date, with further conversations anticipated.

(ii)

FIFA 2026

Staff advised that they are in the early planning stages of the event and are currently working to identify potential sponsors. They will also be reaching out to community associations to gather feedback on their visions and planned activities. Staff further noted that they will maintain communication with the City of Vancouver to stay informed about their event planning efforts.

(iii)

Exhibitions at the Art Gallery

Staff highlighted that the exhibitions Enigmas & Dreams: Works on Paper by Alvin Jang & Anna Wong and The Roaming Peach Blossom Spring will be on display at the Richmond Art Gallery until August 24, 2025.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:10 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 24, 2025.

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Councillor Michael Wolfe
Chair

Sarah Goddard
Legislative Services Associate