March 18, 2026 - Minutes

Date:

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Carol Day (by teleconference)

Councillor Michael Wolfe, Chair

Councillor Kash Heed

Absent:

Councillor Alexa Loo

Also Present:

Councillor Laura Gillanders (by teleconference)

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 Public Works and Transportation Committee held on February 18, 2026, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

AGENDA ADDITIONS

The Chair advised that Speeding and Traffic Hazards Near Errington Elementary School will be considered as Item No. 3A, Issues Related To Parking and Construction In The Spires Road Neighbourhood will be considered as Item No. 3B, Road Sign on Nelson Road will be considered as Item No. 3C, and two non-agenda delegations from Nelson Taylor and Erjun Ma will be added.

DELEGATIONS

(1)

Nelson Taylor, Richmond resident, reported of unsafe conditions on Minler Road, noting increased traffic due to Gilbert Road construction detours, lack of sidewalks, and safety concerns for pedestrians in a nearby school area. Mr. Taylor expressed concern about the risk of a serious accident and suggested that sidewalks and road widening would help improve safety and reduce conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians.

A brief discussion ensued regarding (i) the potential for sidewalks to alleviate some issues in the area and (ii) accidents in the area.

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

It was moved and seconded

That staff review the situation on Minler Road to review the width of the road as well as the potential addition of sidewalks and long-term traffic calming measures and report back with recommendations.

The question on the referral motion was not called as discussion ensued regarding traffic calming options. Staff advised that a transportation study for Minler Road is underway, with findings to be shared via memorandum. Staff added that while some speeding is observed in the area, traffic generally complies with posted speed limits. Staff plan to engage residents on potential traffic calming measures, noting options such as a traffic circle at Lucas Road and Minler Road and the installation of speed cushions.

Discussion ensued regarding (i) the narrow roadway, (ii) pedestrian safety concerns on Minler Road and the related February 18, 2026 Public Works and Transportation Committee discussion, which prompted a traffic study, (iii) funding options, (iv) potential short- and long-term solutions including traffic calming measures, (v) the number of boulevards without sidewalks in Richmond subdivisions, (vi) accident trends and potential links to Gilbert Road construction detours, and (vii) the effectiveness of traffic calming measures such as speed humps.

Staff were directed to provide a memorandum summarizing the speed study results, pedestrian counts, ICBC collision data, and options for Council to consider interim improvements to pedestrian safety, such as installing a gravel shoulder, extruded curb, delineators, or a combination of the options.

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

The following motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That staff report back to the March 23, 2026 Council meeting with immediate road safety options for Minler Road that can be implemented within 30 days, complete with a cost-benefit analysis.

CARRIED

(2)

Erjun Ma, Organizer and Richmond Transit Committee Lead, Movement: Metro Vancouver Transit Riders, spoke to (i) the importance of improving speed and reliability of Richmond’s bus system, (ii) advocacy for transit that is fast, reliable, affordable, and accessible, and (iii) infrastructure improvements.

Discussion ensued regarding (i) delays to the installation of a left-turn lane at Blundell Road and No. 3 Road due to property constraints and (ii) the ongoing project and potential future improvements at the Garden City Road and Granville Avenue intersection.

ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION

1.

Award of Contract 8521Q – Supply and Delivery of PVC Pipe & PVC Fittings

(File Ref. No. 10-6000-00) (REDMS No. 8279787)

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Chief Administrative Officer and General Manager, Engineering & Public Works, be authorized to negotiate and execute Contract 8521Q, Supply and Delivery of PVC Pipe and PVC Fittings with Andrew Sheret Ltd. for an initial one-year term at an estimated total value of $925,667, excluding taxes, as outlined in the report titled “Award of Contract 8521Q – Supply and Delivery of PVC Pipe & PVC Fittings” dated February 23, 2026 from the Director, Public Works; and

(2)

That the Chief Administrative Officer and General Manager, Engineering & Public Works, be authorized to negotiate and execute up to four additional one-year extensions of Contract 8521Q, Supply and Delivery of PVC Pipe and PVC Fittings with Andrew Sheret Ltd. for a maximum estimated value of $4,817,210, excluding taxes, over five years as outlined in the report titled “Award of Contract 8521Q – Supply and Delivery of PVC Pipe & PVC Fittings dated February 23, 2026 from the Director, Public Works.

CARRIED

2.

Award of Contract – 8459Q – Supply and Delivery of Municipal Castings

(File Ref. No. 10-6000-00) (REDMS No. 8317041)

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Chief Administrative Officer and General Manager, Engineering & Public Works, be authorized to negotiate and execute Contract 8459Q - Supply and Delivery of Municipal Castings with Westview Sales Ltd. for an initial one-year term at an estimated total value of $266,787, excluding taxes, as outlined in the report titled “Award of Contract – 8459Q – Supply and Delivery of Municipal Castings” dated February 23, 2026 from the Director, Public Works; and

(2)

That the Chief Administrative Officer and General Manager, Engineering & Public Works, be authorized to negotiate and execute up to four additional one-year extensions of Contract 8459Q - Supply and Delivery of Municipal Castings with Westview Sales Ltd. for a maximum estimated contract value of $1,396,587, excluding taxes, as outlined in the report titled “Award of Contract – 8459Q – Supply and Delivery of Municipal Castings” dated February 23, 2026 from the Director, Public Works.

CARRIED

3.

Proposed Approach to Lowering Speed LimiTS

 (File Ref. No. 10-6500-01) (REDMS No. 8324594)

In response to a query from Committee, staff advised that a review of all City roads, including those within the West Cambie block, was undertaken to determine suitability for a 30km/h speed limit.

Discussion ensued regarding (i) criteria for lowering speed limits to 30 km/h on residential roads, including narrow pavement widths and absence of centre lines, (ii) the differing context of higher-volume roads in the City Centre area, (iii) the ongoing transformation of the City Centre area in the context of Transit-Oriented Areas, (iv) conducting case-by-case analysis of City Centre roads in consultation with stakeholders and residents, and (v) support from Vancouver Coastal Health.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Council approve Option 3 to lower the posted speed limit to 30 km/h as described in the report titled “Proposed Approach to Lowering Speed Limits”, dated February 17, 2026, from the Director, Transportation;

(2)

That staff bring forward bylaw amendments to facilitate the speed limit reduction, as described in Option 3 in the report titled “Proposed Approach to Lowering Speed Limits”, dated February 17, 2026, from the Director, Transportation;

(3)

That Council approve Option B for the public education plan as described in the report titled “Proposed Approach to Lowering Speed Limits”, dated February 17, 2026, from the Director, Transportation; and

(4)

That staff bring forward amendments to the Traffic Calming Related Measures – Policy 7018, as described in the report titled “Proposed Approach to Lowering Speed Limits”, dated February 17, 2026, from the Director, Transportation.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued regarding speed limits on non-arterial and arterial roads in other municipalities.

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

It was moved and seconded

That the motion be amended to add:

(5)

That the Proposed 30 km/h Residential Neighbourhood Speed Zones map be adjusted to include the West Cambie block; and

(6)

That staff conduct analysis for Arcadia Road, Eckersley Road, Spires Road, Bennett Road, and Jones Road in the City Centre area to determine suitability for a 30 km/h speed limit.

The question on the amendment motion was not called as discussion ensued regarding conducting further analysis in the City Centre area streets to determine suitability for a 30 km/h speed limit as indicated in Dr. Dawar letter of support dated March 13, 2026.

Margie Sanderson, Director of Organizing, Vision Zero Vancouver, spoke in support of the staff recommendations, expressing that (i) reducing vehicle speeds dramatically reduces the risk of a fatality, (ii) future speed measures include the City Centre area, and (iii) she supports collaborative traffic calming measures.

Erjun Ma spoke in support of the staff recommendations, noting (i) the installation of signage required for enforcement and (ii) improving safety on arterial roads.

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

The question on the main motion as amended, which reads as follows:

(1)

That Council approve Option 3 to lower the posted speed limit to 30 km/h as described in the report titled “Proposed Approach to Lowering Speed Limits”, dated February 17, 2026, from the Director, Transportation;

(2)

That staff bring forward bylaw amendments to facilitate the speed limit reduction, as described in Option 3 in the report titled “Proposed Approach to Lowering Speed Limits”, dated February 17, 2026, from the Director, Transportation;

(3)

That Council approve Option B for the public education plan as described in the report titled “Proposed Approach to Lowering Speed Limits”, dated February 17, 2026, from the Director, Transportation;

(4)

That staff bring forward amendments to the Traffic Calming Related Measures – Policy 7018, as described in the report titled “Proposed Approach to Lowering Speed Limits”, dated February 17, 2026, from the Director, Transportation;

(5)

That the Proposed 30 km/h Residential Neighbourhood Speed Zones map be adjusted to include the West Cambie block; and

(6)

That staff conduct analysis for Arcadia Road, Eckersley Road, Spires Road, Bennett Road, and Jones Road in the City Centre area to determine suitability for a 30 km/h speed limit.

was then called, and it was CARRIED.

3A.

Speeding and Traffic Hazards Near Errington Elementary School

(File Ref. No. ) (REDMS No. )

Discussion ensued regarding (i) addressing traffic and road safety concerns near schools in coordination with the Richmond School District No. 38 and Parent Advisory Councils, (ii) conducting a traffic study, (iii) installation of a stop sign on the minor road coming from the school at Herbert Road, and   (iv) a comprehensive, school-specific package of roadway improvements to address identified issues.

Gregory Ould, Richmond resident, spoke to his concerns regarding ongoing traffic safety issues on the road adjacent to Errington Elementary School, referencing his submission (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1).

Further discussion ensued regarding options to install speed humps and other traffic calming measures including options for a crosswalk.

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

It was moved and seconded

That staff review and investigate traffic calming measures in and around Errington Elementary School, including feeder roads, to ensure the City is addressing concerns brought forward by the neighborhood, and report back.

CARRIED

3B.

issues related to parking and construction in the SPIRES ROAD neighbourhood

(File Ref. No. ) (REDMS No. )

Committee referenced resident reports regarding concerns about a lack of traffic controls in the Spires Road area, including difficulty with passing and parking. Committee requested that staff review options to improve conditions for residents during ongoing construction in the Spires Road neighbourhood.

In response to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) permit parking is available in the Spires neighbourhood, with one permit currently issued, and (ii) staff will review the parking and construction situation with the City’s Bylaw department and inspectors.

3C.

Road sign on nelson rOAD

(File Ref. No. ) (REDMS No. )

Committee referenced a resident reporting a road sign near 7172 Nelson Road that is obscured by vegetation. Staff advised they will investigate and ensure the sign is visible or relocate it if necessary.

4.

MANAGER’S REPORT

None.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:44 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

_________________________________

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Councillor Michael Wolfe
Chair

Shannon Unrau
Legislative Services Associate