March 19, 2025 - Minutes

Date:

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Carol Day, Chair
Mayor Malcolm Brodie
Councillor Michael Wolfe
Councillor Chak Au
Councillor Kash Heed
Councillor Alexa Loo (by teleconference)

Also Present:

Councillor Lauria Gillanders

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 19, 2025, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

AGENDA ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS

It was moved and seconded

That Parking at Minoru Centre for Active Living be added to the Public Works and Transportation Agenda as Item No. 2A, Russ Baker Way Bus/HOV Lane Traffic be considered as Item No. 2B, Verbal Update on Blundell Overpass Collision be considered as Item No. 2C, and State of the Environment Report be considered as Item No. 2D.

CARRIED

ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION

1.

Review of Roads Near the South Dyke Trail

(File Ref. No. 10-6450-10-01) (REDMS No. 7938107)

Staff reported the 30km/h speed limit has been implemented in the London/Princess neighbourhood.

In response to queries from Committee, staff advised (i) on the results of the road assessment for the section of Finn Road from No. 3 Road to Garden City Road, noting that the geometry of the existing pavement width is very narrow, (ii) that installation of the three speed humps will be completed by Q2 and feedback from the community will be monitored, (iii) that the new 30 km/h signs are in the Princess neighbourhood, London Road, Princess Street and Princess Lane, and a 30 km/h section on Finn Road, while all other roads within the study area remain at 50 km/h, and (iv) the typical process for speed management on local roads is community data driven and current collision and speed data does not warrant any changes at this time.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That staff monitor the traffic operations and community feedback regarding vehicle speed on Dyke Road, as described in the staff report titled “Review of Roads Near the South Dyke Trail”, dated February 26, 2025, from the Director, Transportation; and

(2)

That staff be directed to consult with residents regarding speed limits and other traffic calming needed in the section between Andrews Road and London Road.

CARRIED

2.

Recommendation to Award Contract 8398Q - Supply and Installation of Conduits and Water Service Pipes using Trenchless Technology and Other Related Civil Works

(File Ref. No. 02-0745-01) (REDMS No. 7963627)

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Contract 8398Q - Supply and Installation of Conduits and Water Service Pipes using Trenchless Technology and Other Related Civil Works, be awarded to Ulmer Contracting Limited for an initial three-year term estimated at $7,653,189 exclusive of taxes, as described in the staff report titled “Recommendation to Award Contract 8398Q–Supply and Installation of Conduits and Water Service Pipes using Trenchless Technology and Other Related Civil Works”, dated February 13, 2025, from the Director, Transportation;

(2)

That the Chief Administrative Officer and General Manager, Engineering and Public Works, be authorized to extend the initial three-year term, up to the maximum total term of five years, for the maximum total amount of $13,144,353 exclusive of taxes, as described in the staff report titled “Recommendation to Award Contract 8398Q – Supply and Installation of Conduits and Water Service Pipes using Trenchless Technology and Other Related Civil Works”, dated February 13, 2025, from the Director, Transportation; and

(3)

That the Chief Administrative Officer and General Manager, Engineering and Public Works, be authorized to execute the contract with Ulmer Contracting Limited.

CARRIED

2A.

Parking at Minoru Centre for Active Living

Discussion took place on limited parking at the Minoru Centre for Active Living, noting overcapacity and challenges for seniors accessing parking close to the facility.

Discussion ensued with respect to parking alternatives and Committee requested additional information on the status of parking behind Minoru Arena and the street parking marked specifically for pool patrons.

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

It was moved and seconded

That staff analyse the current parking at Minoru Centre for Active Living and Minoru Arena areas and report back with options to facilitate parking needs.

CARRIED

2B.

RUSS BAKER WAY bus/hov lane TRAFFIC

Discussion took place on the bus and HOV only lane on Russ Baker Way, specifically the signage, road markings and lack of enforcement related to the bus lane and HOV lane during the morning rush hour on Russ Baker Way.

Staff advised they have contacted the Vancouver Airport Authority to review the condition of pavement markings, assess signage and HOV markings, and determine timing for a refresh. Additionally, staff have consulted with Richmond RCMP regarding HOV enforcement.

It was requested that staff provide a memorandum to update Council.

2C.

VERBAL UPDATE:  bLUNDELL OVERPASS COLLISION

Staff provided a brief overview of the transport unit collision with the Blundell overpass that occurred on March 19, 2025, noted that (i) it was heading southbound on Highway 99 (ii) the scattered debris on the road was quickly cleaned up, (iii) Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MTT) staff responded along with the RCMP, (iv) there appears to be limited damage underneath the Blundell overpass and it remains open, (v) once MTT have completed their assessment an update will be provided to Council.

2D.

STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Discussion took place on a 1998 and 2001 State of the Environment Report and the availability of a similar document to align data as part of the Official Community Plan (OCP) Review.

Staff noted that (i) the State of the Environment report has evolved, (ii) the Sustainable Progress report, introduced in 2014, tracks different information, and (iii) there are no current plans to align the sustainability report with the OCP, but future opportunities for alignment may be considered.

3.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Metro Vancouver Gilbert Road Sewer

Staff advised construction on the south section of Gilbert Road, from Steveston Highway going south, is nearly completed, and the south section will be completed in spring 2025.  Staff noted that the remaining section is between Steveston Highway and Blundell Road, with current works being some main line work between Francis Road and Blundell Road. 

Staff noted upcoming Metro Vancouver activities at the Francis Road-Gilbert Road intersection, including mailed newsletters to residents and updates on the MV and possibly the City’s website. Staff also mentioned ongoing work from Steveston Highway to Blundell Road, with construction expected to finish by winter 2026.

(ii)

Commemorative Veterans Crosswalk

Staff provided and update on the request for a commemorative veteran’s crosswalk near the cenotaph on No. 3 Road and as part of the review, community members and stakeholders involved in the Remembrance Day ceremony have been invited to an Open House at City Hall on April 1, 2025, to provide feedback on design options. Staff advised that recommendations will be presented to Council in June, allowing time for implementation before the 2025 Remembrance Day memorial.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:45 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 19, 2025.

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Councillor Carol Day
Chair

Lorraine Anderson
Legislative Services Associate