October 22, 2024 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Chak Au, Chair
Councillor Michael Wolfe
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 September 24, 2024, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

November 26, 2024, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room.

AGENDA ADDITION

It was moved and seconded

That Expression of Interests for Rabbits be added to the agenda as Item No. 3A.

CARRIED

PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURE DIVISION

1.

Street Banners Program Update

(File Ref. No. 11-7200-20-SBAN1) (REDMS No. 7786596)

Discussion took place on the cost and options for banners along the Highway to Heaven section of No. 5 Road, and in response to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) the estimated cost noted in the report is for removal and replacement of new poles, and (ii) an engineering assessment for retrofitting would include reviewing the existing pole’s load capacity and condition.

Discussion then ensued regarding (i) options to retrofit existing poles along the Highway to Heaven section of No. 5 Road, (ii) options to add street banners only on the north and south end of the Highway to Heaven section of No. 5 Road, (iii) developing a plan to expand of the Street Banner program in other areas of the city, (iv) reviewing potential federal and provincial grants available and funding from community partners for the Street Banner program, and (v) referencing a staff report related to street banners in Steveston.

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

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report, “Street Banners Program Update”, dated September 26, 2024, from the Director, Parks Services, be referred back to staff to provide additional information on:

(1)

retrofitting options for existing poles along the Highway to Heaven section of No. 5 Road, including load capacities and estimated cost of retrofitting poles or replacing poles;

(2)

various banner configuration options along the Highway to Heaven section of No. 5 Road, including installation of banners only on the north and south end of the section, only the east-side of the section or only in front of the religious institutions in the section;

(3)

other potential sources of funding for the program, including grants and community partnerships; and

(4)

expansion of the Street Banner Program in other areas of Richmond;

and report back.

CARRIED

2.

Aspac River Green Lot 1 Public Artwork Terms of Reference

(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-20-228) (REDMS No. 7808271)

In response to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) the theme of the artwork is based on the City Centre Public Art Plan, (ii) Aspac will be funding the public art project, and (iii) the artwork will be in one location.

It was moved and seconded

That the Aspac River Green Lot 1 Public Art Terms of Reference for the public artwork at 6011 River Road, as presented in the report titled “Aspac River Green Lot 1 Public Artwork Terms of Reference”, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, dated September 23, 2024, be approved.

CARRIED

3.

Railway Greenway Lighting – Engagement Results and Next Steps

(File Ref. No. 06-2400-20-RAIL1) (REDMS No. 7786781)

Discussion took place on (i) costs for lighting, (ii) necessity for lighting, and (iii) options to provide ambient lighting in specific darks areas along the path.

In response to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) data can be obtained to determine how many people use the path at night, (ii) there have been few complaints regarding safety on the greenway, and (iii) speed bumps are not recommended as it may present as a barrier for individuals with mobility issues.

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

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Option 3 - Status Quo, Continue to Monitor Conditions and Community Need, as outlined in the staff report titled “Railway Greenway Lighting – Engagement Results and Next Steps”, dated September 26, 2024, from the Director, Parks Services, be endorsed; and

(2)

That staff examine the feasibility and cost implications of ambient lighting in dark areas along the Railway Greenway, and report back.

CARRIED

3A.

Expression of Interest for Rabbits

(File Ref. No.)

Discussion ensued with regard to the expression of interest (EOI) process for rabbit management, and in response to queries from Committee, staff advised that the expression of interest is an invitation for groups to communicate their interest to provide the service. Following this initial step, a formal bid would require interested groups submit background and costing analysis. Staff added that the EOI process was extended to November 1, 2024, and that historical rabbit pilot projects were successful.  

As a result of the discussion, it was suggested for staff to report back on the expression of interest proposal process at the next Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee meeting.

4.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Bark Park Construction

Staff noted that (i) a portion of the site base preparation has been completed, (ii) the remainder of the path will be completed by end of October 2024, and
(iii) park fencing will be installed starting on November 2024.

(ii)

Steveston London Park Off-Leash Area

Staff advised that the off-leash area in Steveston London Park was completed this summer and the City has not received any negative feedback from adjacent residents.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:55 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, October 22, 2024.

_________________________________

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Councillor Chak Au
Chair

Sarah Goddard
Legislative Services Associate