July 22, 2026 - Minutes

Date:

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Michael Wolfe, Vice Chair
Councillor Carol Day
Councillor Kash Heed
Councillor Alexa Loo

Also Present:

Councillor Bill McNulty

Councillor Laura Gillanders

Councillor Andy Hobbs

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 June 17, 2026, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

AGENDA ADDITION

The Chair advised that Granville Avenue Walkway be added to the agenda as Item No. 4A.

1.

Fraser River Freshet and Flood Protection Update 2026

(File Ref. No. 10-6060-01) (REDMS No. 8279535)

It was moved and seconded

That the report titled “Fraser River Freshet and Flood Protection Update 2026”, dated June 24, 2026, from the General Manager, Engineering and Public Works, be received for information.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued with regard to (i) the use of cameras to assess the tide impact on Mitchell Island, (ii) and canal stabilization practices, (iii) remediating beaver burrows in the Terra Nova area, and (iv) and City efforts to maintain the dike system.

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

2.

Richmond Water Quality and Conservation Report  2025

(File Ref. No. 10-6650-01) (REDMS No. 8448931)

Discussion ensued with respect to the report reflecting lower water usage.

In response to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) the plunger-type tool noted in the staff report was intended for use on flat surfaces, (ii) there are other attachments that allow the work over boulevards and different soil types to repair leaks, and (iii) Metro Vancouver conducts the testing of water quality.

Discussion then ensued regarding the City’s standards of water certification. Staff advised that information on the City’s certification protocols and the number of certified staff will be provided to Council.

It was moved and seconded

That the annual report titled “Richmond Water Quality and Conservation Report 2025”, dated June 15, 2026, from the General Manager, Engineering and Public Works, be:

(1)

Approved as the City’s annual water quality report for reporting the 2025 water system monitoring information;

(2)

Submitted to the Drinking Water Officer and Medical Health Officer; and

(3)

Made available on the City’s website, through various communication tools including social media channels and as part of community outreach initiatives.

CARRIED

3.

Tilbury Phase 2 Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Expansion Project

(File Ref. No. 10-6125-30-010) (REDMS No. 8091955)

Discussion ensued with respect to (i) Richmond’s stated opposition to the proposed LNG project’s location along the Fraser River and in proximity to residential areas being formally opposed in 2020, and (ii) consultation process with Richmond.

In response to queries, staff advised Richmond have been actively participating in the environmental assessment process but have not received additional feedback from the federal ministries overseeing the project.

It was moved and seconded

That the comments on the “Tilbury Phase 2 LNG Expansion Project”, as outlined in Attachment 2, be endorsed for submission to the BC Environmental Assessment Office as part of the public comment period.

CARRIED
Opposed: Cllr. Loo

Discussion then ensued about writing a letter to the Minister of Environment and Parks expressing Richmond’s opposition to the proposed expansion, and as a result the following motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That a letter be sent to the Minister of Environment and Parks, with copies sent to Richmond Members of the Legislative Assembly and to Metro Vancouver and all Mayors of Metro Vancouver municipalities, reaffirming Richmond’s opposition to the Tilbury Phase 2 Liquefied Natural Gas Expansion project and the lack of ability to access project information.

CARRIED
Opposed: Cllr. Loo

Discussion then took place on recognizing the rights of the Fraser River, and as a result, the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That Council direct staff to:

(1)

Investigate the emerging legal and governance framework known as the Rights of Nature and related Declaration of River Rights, including a review of the Magpie River (Muteshekau-shipu) Declaration in Quebec, which since 2021 has recognized a set of rights for the river, and assess relevant Canadian and international examples and best practices;

(2)

Through Public Works and Transportation and in collaboration with Legal Services, Parks, Recreation and Culture, Indigenous Relations, and other relevant departments, evaluate how principles associated with river rights and ecological stewardship could inform or complement existing City policies, environmental strategies, asset management practices, biodiversity initiatives, climate adaptation planning, and watershed protection efforts;

(3)

Explore opportunities for collaboration with First Nations, regional municipalities, environmental organizations, stewardship groups, educational institutions, the Steveston Harbour Authority, and other partners to advance public awareness, ecological restoration, and long-term stewardship of the Fraser River Estuary, recognizing its ecological significance as part of the internationally recognized Fraser River Delta Ramsar Site and the Pacific Flyway;

(4)

Assess whether recognition of river rights principles would provide additional policy tools or considerations relevant to municipal decision-making, advocacy, environmental protection objectives, and the review of major infrastructure and industrial development proposals affecting the Fraser River and its watershed; and

(5)

Report back to Council by Q3 2026 with:

(a)

a summary of findings;

(b)

legal and jurisdictional considerations;

(c)

opportunities for partnership and indigenous co-governance approaches;

(d)

potential policy, regulatory, and bylaw implications;

(e)

recommended next steps; and

(f)

options for Council consideration regarding a future declaration, resolution, or other formal recognition framework.

The question on the referral motion was not called as discussion ensued with regarding broader collaboration with other jurisdictions on the proposal.

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

4.

ICBC-CITY OF RICHMOND ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE 2026
(File Ref. No. 03-1000-03-006) (REDMS No. 8091955)

In response to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) all projects have been approved through previous capital programs, (ii) the remediation at Westminster Highway and No. 4 Road new curb and gutter was in response to allow new traffic turns and lower resolution traffic cameras have been installed with no red light or radar capabilities, and (iii) ICBC will often support changes in accident-prone areas such as intersection upgrades but does not share criteria on how contributions are calculated.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the road safety improvement projects, as described in Attachment 1 of the report titled "ICBC-City of Richmond Road Safety Improvement Program Update 2026", dated June 22, 2026, from the General Manager, Engineering and Public Works, be endorsed for submission to the ICBC 2026 Road Safety Improvement Program for consideration of cost-share funding;

(2)

That should the above submission be successful, the Chief Administrative Officer and General Manager, Engineering and Public Works, be authorized to execute the cost-share agreements on behalf of the City; and

(3)

That should the above application be successful, the Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2026-2030) be amended accordingly.

CARRIED

4A.

GRANVILLE AVENUE WALKWAY
(File Ref. No.)

Ned Mataru, Richmond resident, spoke to the provision of a proper walkway along the Canadian National Railway (CN) crossing at Granville Avenue. He noted that (i) currently, the unfinished sidewalk and no road should cause concern as people cross a busy road, (ii) a school in the proximity of No. 4 Road is also cause for concern, (iii) traffic has increased considerably on No. 5 Road since initial concerns were reported to the City, and (iv) residents have installed cautionary signage.

Discussion ensued with respect to (i) suggestions for a pedestrian bridge,
(ii) exploring cost-sharing options, (iii) upgrading the signal system,
(iv) measures taken to try to address the problem, and (v) working with CN to resolve concerns.

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

It was moved and seconded

That staff be directed to review options related to pedestrian safety improvements along the Shell Road trail and Granville Avenue and negotiate with Canadian National Railway on the associated costs, and report back.

CARRIED

5.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Closure of AM Traffic Radio and Local Media

Staff reported that since media resources such as newspapers and traffic information radio have ceased services, the City now offers traffic information using a multi channel approach including website page, digital updates, and community engagement strategies. Information posted to the City’s WhatsApp channel launched in the last two days allows the public direct access to important traffic updates.

(ii)

Eradication of Brazilian Elodea

Staff advised that the invasive aquatic plant, Brazilian Elodea, has been eradicated in Richmond.

(iii)

Bike Lane Medians

Discussion ensued with respect to the visibility of the concrete bike median along Williams Road, and it was requested that the concrete be painted a visible colour. Staff responded that staff can investigate painting the median.

(iv)

Steveston Highway Multi-Use Path Sidewalk Curbs

It was requested that staff investigate the radius of the sidewalk curbs along No. 2 Road. Staff advised that staff can take a look and make improvements to the curbs.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn 5:07 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, July 22, 2026.

_________________________________

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Councillor Michael Wolfe
Vice Chair

Vivian Guthrie
Recording Secretary