July 23, 2025 - Minutes

Date:

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

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

Also Present:

Councillor Laura Gillanders

Councillor Andy Hobbs
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 June 18, 2025, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

AGENDA ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS

It was moved and seconded

That Bus Loop in Steveston be added to the agenda as item No. 8A.

CARRIED

ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION

1.

ICBC-City of Richmond Road Improvement Program Update

(File Ref. No. 10-6460-01) (REDMS No. 8052558)

Discussion ensued regarding the installation of traffic video cameras.  

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the proposed road safety improvement projects, as described in Attachment 1 of the staff report titled “ICBC-City of Richmond Road Improvement Program Update,” dated June 24, 2025, from the Director, Transportation, be endorsed for submission to the ICBC 2025 Road Improvement Program for consideration of cost-share funding; and

(2)

That should the above applications 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 that the Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2025-2029) be amended accordingly.

CARRIED

2.

Westminster Highway Traffic Calming - 2025 Update

(File Ref. No. 10-6500-01) (REDMS No. 8089486)

In response to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) based on traffic volumes, collision counts, and a traffic signal warrant study for Westminster Highway and River Road, a traffic signal is not warranted at this time, (ii) plans for traffic calming measures at Smith Crescent and Westminster Highway are forthcoming, dependent on development, (iii) the design for an advanced warning flasher at the curve of River Road north of Westminster Highway is underway and will be installed once it is approved by the Inspector of Dikes, and (iv) speed study results show that while the traffic calming measures installed have been effective in reducing vehicle speeds, the current 85^th percentile speed still exceeds the posted speed limit.

Discussion ensued regarding (i) availability of collision data from ICBC, (ii) future plans for the area, specifically regarding the connection to River Road and proposed traffic calming measures at Smith Crescent and Westminster Highway, (iii) collision data on River Road compared to the top 20 collision prone intersections, (iv) current and future traffic calming and safety measures, which includes design and involvement from the Inspector of Dikes, and (v) the installation of a 4-way stop at Smith Crescent and Gilley Road and the inability to install a traffic circle due to limited space.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That staff implement traffic calming measures as outlined in Option 2 of the staff report titled “Westminster Highway Traffic Calming – 2025 Update”, dated July 7, 2025, from the Director, Transportation; and

(2)

That staff review options for further traffic calming at the intersection of Westminster Highway and River Road.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued regarding (i) the installation of a 4-way stop at Smith Crescent and Gilley Road, (ii) interim traffic safety/calming measures and the pending installation of an advanced warning flasher at the curve of River Road north of Westminster Highway, and (iii) the installation of an overhead red flashing light at the intersection of River Road and Westminster Highway.

Staff advised that (i) details regarding the installation of an overhead red flashing light at the intersection of River Road and Westminster Highway can be presented at the next Public Works and Transportation Committee meeting and (ii) the process for installing the advanced warning flasher at the curve of River Road north of Westminster Highway is proceeding immediately.

Staff advised that stop signs will be installed at Smith Crescent and Gilley Road tomorrow.

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

The General Manager, Engineering and Public Works advised that a staff memorandum outlining the forthcoming traffic calming measures will be provided.

3.

South Dike Upgrades Preliminary Design – 6080 Dyke Road to Gilbert Road

(File Ref. No. 10-6000-01) (REDMS No. 8057547)

Staff noted that the project involves raising the dike between Dyke Road and Gilbert Road, which would raise the dike by approximately 1.5 metres in elevation on average.

Discussion ensued regarding (i) the earlier installation of speed cushions as a traffic calming measure in the area and feedback from cyclists, (ii) the project involving the south perimeter dike, (iii) the road and dike alignment and the future Steveston Island Dike, with staff noting that the Steveston Island Dike project is a 10+ year project, (iv) the need to remove trees and vegetation on both sides of Dyke Road, including the drainage canal, with tree retention to be further refined during the detailed design process, (v) the removal of the ditch and its replacement with a drainage pipe, (vi) feedback received through engagement, with staff noting the road edge will remain in the same location, vehicle traffic will not be closer to residences, and the ditch bank may be narrower or reconfigured.

In response to queries from Committee, staff advised that there is an immediate need to protect and raise the area as the section of the South Dike between 6080 Dyke Road and Gilbert Road has been identified as a priority location for dike raising and upgrade works.

It was moved and seconded

That the preliminary design presented in the staff report titled “South Dike Upgrades Preliminary Design – 6080 Dyke Road to Gilbert Road”, dated June 18, 2025, from the Director, Engineering be approved for detailed design, to be brought forward for construction funding.

CARRIED

4.

Dog Waste Collection Pilot Summary and Proposed Expansion

(File Ref. No. 10-6370-01) (REDMS No. 8048799)

In response to queries from Committee, staff advised that there was no contamination noted during the dog waste collection pilot program.

Discussion ensued regarding (i) the use of plastic bags versus biodegradable dog waste bags, (ii) dog waste diversion, and (iii) the increasing number of contractors to manage the dog waste collection and selecting a contractor through a competitive bid process in alignment with the City’s Procurement Policy.

It was moved and seconded

That an ongoing additional level estimated at $71,000 be considered in the 2026 Utility budget process to expand the Dog Waste Collection Program as described in Option 2 in the staff report titled “Dog Waste Collection Pilot Summary and Proposed Expansion” dated June 24, 2025 from the Director, Public Works Operations.

CARRIED

5.

Award of Contract 8438P – Provision of Hydrovac Services

(File Ref. No. 10-6000-01) (REDMS No. 8064777)

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Contract 8438P – Provision of Hydrovac Services be awarded to McRae's Environmental Service Ltd., for a three-year term for an estimated contract value of $9,286,266 exclusive of taxes, as described in the report titled “Award of Contract 8438P – Provision of Hydrovac Services”, dated June 23, 2025 from the Director, Public Works Operations;

(2)

That the Chief Administrative Officer and the General Manager, Engineering and Public Works be authorized to execute the contract and related documentation with McRae's Environmental Service Ltd.; and

(3)

That the Chief Administrative Officer and the 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 contract of $15,711,201, excluding taxes.

CARRIED

6.

Fraser River Freshet and Flood Protection Update 2025

(File Ref. No. 10-6060-01) (REDMS No. 7978398)

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Fraser River Freshet and Flood Protection Update 2025”, dated June 27, 2025, from the Director, Engineering be received for information.

CARRIED

7.

2025 Ageing Utility and Road Infrastructure Planning – Update

(File Ref. No. 10-6060-01) (REDMS No. 8047179)

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled, “2025 Ageing Utility and Road Infrastructure Planning – Update”, dated June 26, 2025, from the Director, Engineering be received for information.

CARRIED

8.

Award of Contract 8428 NOITC - Supply and Delivery of Water Meters and Water Meter Heads

(File Ref. No. 10-6650-02) (REDMS No. 8068324)

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Contract 8428 NOITC – Supply and Delivery of Water Meters and Water Meter Heads be awarded to FlowSystems Distribution Inc. (“Flow Systems”), for a one-year term for an estimated value of $400,000, exclusive of taxes, as described in the report titled “Award of Contract 8428 NOITC – Supply and Delivery of Water Meters and Water Meter Heads” dated June 19, 2025 from the Director, Public Works Operations;

(2)

That the Chief Administrative Officer and the General Manager, Engineering and Public Works be authorized to execute the contract and all related documentation with FlowSystems Distribution Inc.; and

(3)

That the Chief Administrative officer and General Manager, Engineering and Public Works be authorized to extend the initial one-year term, up to a maximum total term of five years, for the maximum total amount of $2,000,000, excluding taxes.

CARRIED

8A.

bus loop in steveston

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

Discussion ensued regarding (i) the Steveston off-street bus exchange and the lack of suitable property, (ii) the unintended consequences of Bill 47, which limits the City's ability to prevent high-rise residential development if an off-street bus exchange is built in Steveston, and (iii) logistics of running a bus company and the need  for a transit facility with bus functions (drop-off/pick-up and layover).

Further discussion ensued regarding Committee’s ability to request a further review, though staff noted extensive work has already been completed.

Additional information on possible options was requested by Committee.

9.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

May Drive and Alexandra Road

Discussion ensued regarding (i) the splitter island and prohibited right hand turn at May Drive and Alexandra Road, (ii) the prohibited right-hand turn, including the splitter island, with concerns raised about its effectiveness due to non-compliance, and (iii) staff's ongoing exploration of options in consultation with residents.

Staff advised that they will review and assess options to improve the May Drive/Alexandra Road intersection and updates will be provided to Council as necessary.

(ii)

Bike Bells

Discussion ensued regarding (i) requirements for bells or horns on electric kick scooters under the Motor Vehicle Act and (ii) other municipal bylaws that mandate bike bells.

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

It was moved and seconded

That staff look at the options for bells or other noise-making devices on bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, and other micro-mobility devices.

The question on the referral motion was not called as discussion ensued regarding bicycle etiquette.

The question on the referral motion was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllr. Loo opposed.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:09 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 23, 2025.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Carol Day
Chair

Shannon Unrau
Legislative Services Associate