November 25, 2025 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Councillor Michael Wolfe, Chair
Councillor Laura Gillanders
Councillor Andy Hobbs
Councillor Bill McNulty

Absent:

Councillor Chak Au

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 October 28, 2025, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

DELEGATIONS

1.

Staff provided background on the history of the UBC Boathouse facility and their relationship with the City.

Keira Gray, Manager, Events & Operations, and Vince Amodeo, Head Coach of Thunder Crew, John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse, spoke to the UBC Boathouse’s activities on the Fraser River with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office), highlighting (i) the three main goals of the program, (ii) the multi-team, multi-level, multi-sports with a community environment approach to their programs, (iii) upcoming initiatives such as a partnership with Rowing Canada to host three Come-Try Rowing days which are open to the public at no cost and re-introducing Adult Learn-to-Row courses in the summer, (v) engaging students from School District 38 through the Come Try Rowing pilot program, and Dragon Boat program, and (vi) event rentals at the UBC Boathouse which help support the rowing programs and facility maintenance and upgrades, with weddings being the primary source of revenue.

In response to queries from Committee, the delegation advised that (i) to date there have been two Come Try Rowing days with varying success rates on engagement, (ii) the facility has 18 indoor rowing machines on site, and (iii) school programming could include dragon boating or rowing opportunities offered through school PE classes or as after school activity programs.

PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURE DIVISION

2.

West Richmond Pavilion Terms of Reference for Public Art Project

(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-20-376) (REDMS No. 8134670)

In response to a query from Committee, staff advised that the artwork will be  located in the entrance plaza and is meant to welcome the community and help with wayfinding and place making.

It was moved and seconded

That the Terms of Reference for the West Richmond Pavilion public artwork, as presented in the report titled “West Richmond Pavilion Terms of Reference for Public Art Project” from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, dated November 3, 2025, be approved.

CARRIED

3.

Options for Maintaining Visitor Hours for London Farmhouse

(File Ref. No. 11-7141-01) (REDMS No. 8174091)

Discussion ensued with respect to (i) the historical significance of the London Farmhouse and London’s Landing, (ii) wayfinding opportunities (iii) cost of maintaining and operating heritage sites, (iv) various programing held at the London Farmhouse, and (v) increasing visitation, and expanding parking.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Option 2, as outlined in the report “Options for Maintaining Visitor Hours for London Farmhouse”, dated November 3, 2025, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services be approved; and

(2)

That the Chief Administrative Officer and the General Manager, Parks, Recreation and Culture Division, be authorized to execute all documentation, including an amendment to the Operating Agreement as outlined in the report “Options for Maintaining Visitor Hours for London Farmhouse”, dated November 3, 2025, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services.

CARRIED

4.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Update on Kaiwo Maru

Staff advised Committee that they met with the Kaiwo Maru Community Working Group and began brainstorming potential legacy projects, and site programming.  Staff also provided an update on planning to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Board who are interested in being involved in the event.

(ii)

Update on Richmond Celebrates FIFA

Staff advised Committee that they are working on a toolkit for businesses and a sponsorship package.  Staff have also received program proposals from the nine Community Associations/Societies.  A report is forthcoming for Council consideration with the final program schedule and revised budget.

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, November 25, 2025.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Michael Wolfe
Chair

Raman Grewal
Legislative Services Associate