September 17, 2025 - Minutes

Date:

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

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

Also Present:

Councillor Laura Gillanders (by teleconference)

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 July 23, 2025, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

AGENDA ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS

It was moved and seconded

That Crosswalk at No. 6 Road and Vulcan Way be added to the Public Works and Transportation Agenda as Item 3A.

CARRIED

ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION

1.

RIVER ROAD TRAFFIC ASSESSMENT UPDATE – HAMILTON NEIGHBOURHOOD ENGAGEMENT

(File Ref. No. 10-6455-05-01) (REDMS No. 8141557)

Discussion ensued with respect to the feedback gathered from the public consultation with Hamilton Area residents.

In response to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) based on the Hamilton area survey results and the public consultation there is a lack of majority support in Hamilton for traffic calming measures along River Road, (ii) concerns were raised by area residents regarding power disruptions in the Hamilton area caused by vehicle collisions with hydro poles along River Road, (iii) to address the public’s concerns staff propose improving the visibility and protection of the BC hydro poles at four accident prone locations along River Road, (iv) if implemented, the measures will be monitored for their effectiveness in preventing future power outages in the Hamilton area, and (v) staff will coordinate implementation of the proposed measures with on-going works being done on River Road.

It was moved and seconded

That the roadside enhancements to protect some of the utility poles as described in the staff report titled “River Road Traffic Assessment Update – Hamilton Neighbourhood Engagement Results”, dated August 19, 2025, from the Director, Transportation, be endorsed.

CARRIED

2.

Springfield Drive - Traffic Calming

(File Ref. No. 10-6450-09-01) (REDMS No. 8075853)

It was moved and seconded

That Option 2 to implement two asphalt speed cushions on Springfield Drive, as described in the staff report titled “Springfield Drive - Traffic Calming”, dated August 25, 2025, from the Director, Transportation, be approved.

CARRIED

3.

Reusable Containers Review

(File Ref. No. 10-6370-01) (REDMS No. 8051784)

Discussion ensued with respect to (i) increasing the estimated budget to accommodate piloting the project at larger events such as the Salmon Festival, (ii) initiatives taken by other municipalities related to reusable food service ware, (iii) option for a City-owned reusable food service ware program for City events, (iv) opportunity for residents to purchase reusable food service ware for use at future events, and (v) reusable food service ware cost being relative to the number of event attendees.

In response to queries from Committee staff advised that (i) to implement reusable food service ware at large events such as the Salmon Festival, costs may range from $50,000 to $100,000 per event, (ii) staff will be working with a third party vendor who would provide the reusable containers and then wash and sanitize for repeated use, and (iii) staff estimate that there could be a 20 percent loss rate of reusable containers, which will contribute to additional costs.

It was moved and seconded

That Option 3, as outlined in the staff report titled “Reusable Containers Review”, dated August 18, 2025, from the Director, Public Works Operations, be approved.

CARRIED

3A.

Crosswalk at No. 6 Road and Vulcan Way
(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No.)

Committee discussed public correspondence received expressing safety concerns crossing No. 6 Road and Vulcan Way.  Direction was given to staff to install a painted crosswalk with signage 50 metres on either side alerting traffic of pedestrians crossing.  Staff confirmed prompt installation and advised that a staff report on a potential traffic signal at the intersection is forthcoming to Committee.  Staff also advised that they will review sidewalk improvements in the area and update Council with a memorandum.

4.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Removal of Blackberry Bramble and Branches

Discussion ensued with respect to blackberry brambles encroaching on multi-use pathways at Westminster Highway and Steveston Highway west of Gilbert Road, posing safety concerns.  Staff will provide Council with a memorandum outlining options and coordinate with the relevant departments to address the concerns.  The public is advised to contact the City Works Yard for related complaints.

(ii)

404 Bus

Discussion ensued with respect to concerns related to the 404 Bus service. Staff advised that residents can contact Transportation staff for TransLink contact information regarding transit bus concerns.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:50 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, September 17, 2025.

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Councillor Carol Day
Chair

Raman Grewal
Legislative Services Associate