January 14, 2025 - Minutes
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Community Safety Committee
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Date: |
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 |
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Place: |
Anderson Room |
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Present: |
Councillor Alexa Loo, Chair |
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Also Present: |
Councillor Au |
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Call to Order: |
The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. |
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AGENDA ADDITIONS |
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The Chair advised that the following delegations be added on the agenda: |
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Clifton Jang and Sheldon Starrett to delegate on the Alderbridge Supportive Housing; and |
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Flora Liu to delegate on neighbourhood concerns. |
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MINUTES |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the minutes of the meeting of the Community Safety Committee held on December 10, 2024, be adopted. |
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CARRIED |
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DELEGATIONS |
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Clifton Jang, 5900 Alderbridge Way, spoke to ongoing safety concerns and crime incidents occurring in the area around the Alderbridge Supportive Housing location. He expressed concern with respect to the management of the supportive housing and suggested that steps be taken to address community concerns.
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Sheldon Starrett, Richmond resident, expressed concern with regard to crime incidents in the area around the Alderbridge Supportive Housing and the management of the housing site. He noted that he has observed Richmond RCMP have increased patrols in the area, however additional steps need to be taken to address safety concerns.
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Discussion on the Alderbridge Supportive Housing ensued, and it was noted that (i) Alderbridge Neighbourhood Conversations took place on June 2024 and every effort was made to invite neighbourhood residents and stakeholders to the dialogue sessions, however attendance to the sessions were low, (ii) on April 2024, the Province made an amendment to prohibit the use of illicit drugs in any public space, (iii) Council wrote a letter to the Province asking them to enact secure care, which is involuntary care for people who are a danger to themselves or others, and (iv) Council has approved initiatives for additional bylaw officers, outreach teams and emergency shelters.
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As a result of the discussion, the following referral motion was introduced: |
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It was moved and seconded
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(1) |
That the delegations to the January 14, 2025 Community Safety Committee meeting on the Alderbridge neighbourhood concerns be referred to staff; |
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(2) |
That staff arrange for additional opportunities for community discussion on the Alderbridge neighbourhood discussions with all stakeholders; and |
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(3) |
That a summary of the community feedback during the community discussions be provided to Council. |
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The Chair advised that the question on the referral motion would be considered following the final agenda item. |
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Flora Liu, Richmond resident, expressed concern with respect to crime incidents in her neighbourhood that feel unsafe. She advised that a neighbourhood Block Watch was initiated in response to community safety concerns but noted that additional action is required from the City to address the concerns. |
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1. |
Community Bylaws Monthly Activity Report – November 2024 (File Ref. No. 12-8375-02) (REDMS No. 7895332) |
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CARRIED |
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2. |
Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report – November 2024 (File Ref. No. 09-5140-01) (REDMS No. 7883201)
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Discussion ensued with regard to emergency preparedness and Chief Wishlove provided a brief overview of the training opportunities and collaboration with other agencies. |
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In response to queries from the Committee Chief Wishlove noted (i) that Emergency Programs community outreach occurs regularly throughout the year, and (ii) between November and December, Richmond Fire-Rescue (RFR) responded to 50 overdose and poisoning call city-wide, with two calls in the Alderbridge neighbourhood. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the staff report titled “Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report – November 2024”, dated December 6, 2024, from the Fire Chief, be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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3. |
FIRE CHIEF BRIEFING
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In response to a query regarding e-bike/scooter battery fire safety awareness, Chief Wishlove advised he can provide specific messaging that can be forwarded to Richmond businesses and community networks, and that extensive information can also be found on the City’s website. It was noted that the battery safety program will be further enhanced this year and that the City has a recycling program to safely discard batteries. |
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4. |
RCMP Monthly Activity Report- November 2024 (File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 7895325)
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In response to queries from the Committee, Chief Supt. Chauhan advised (i) the City of Richmond maintains the lowest violent crime rate compared to some of the larger RCMP jurisdictions, and has the second lowest property crime rate, (ii), Richmond RCMP Communication Unit publishes a monthly briefing on road safety to inform and educate the public, (iv) in the area around the Alderbridge Supportive Housing, there have been a three percent reduction in calls for service from 2023 to 2024, and (iv) shoplifting is a subcategory of property crime and was a priority last year and with all municipalities encountering an increase in retail theft, will remain a priority this year. |
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Councillor Day left the meeting (5:37p.m.) and did not return. |
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It was moved and seconded
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That the report titled “RCMP Monthly Activity Report - November 2024”, dated December 12, 2024, from the Officer in Charge, be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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5. |
RCMP/OIC BRIEFING |
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(i) |
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner |
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Chief Supt. Chauhan noted that a volunteer appreciation dinner is held annually to recognize community volunteers. This year 86 volunteers were recognized, having volunteered a collective total of 5250 hours over 782 shifts. |
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(ii) |
RCMP Toy Drive |
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Chief Supt. Chauhan noted the 10th Annual Richmond RCMP Toy Drive record was broken again, surpassing the goals achieved in the last three years by raising $33,419 and 2.5 tonnes of toys, noting that events such as these are not possible without all the strong partnerships and the generous community support. |
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(iii) |
Richmond Night Market |
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Chief Supt. Chauhan advised the Richmond Night Market (April 26 through October 14) had the presence of two members each weekend, providing a sense of safety and security for the market patrons. A total of 18 files were generated throughout the 2024 program. |
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A brief discussion ensued with respect to the referral motion on the Alderbridge neighbourhood discussions, and it was suggested that staff provide information pertaining to the implementation of the Good Neighbour Agreement with the Alderbridge supportive housing operator. |
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The question on the referral motion on the Alderbridge neighbourhood discussions was then called and it was CARRIED. |
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6. |
MANAGER’S REPORT |
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None. |
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ADJOURNMENT |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the meeting adjourn (5:47 p.m.). |
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CARRIED |
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Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Community Safety Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. |
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Councillor Alexa Loo |
Lorraine Anderson |