June 9, 2026 - Minutes
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Community Safety Committee
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Date: |
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 |
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Place: |
Anderson Room |
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Present: |
Councillor Alexa Loo, Chair Councillor Andy Hobbs |
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Also Present: |
Councillor Carol Day (entered the meeting at 4:01 p.m.) Councillor Michael Wolfe (by teleconference) |
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Call to Order: |
The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. |
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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 May 12, 2026, be adopted as circulated. |
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CARRIED |
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DELEGATIONS |
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Cllr. Day entered the meeting (4:01 p.m.). |
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1. |
(1) |
Dr. Meena Dawar, Medical Health Officer, and Lisa Ramage, Acting Director, Mental Health and Substance Use Services, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Authority, shared a PowerPoint presentation (copy on-file, City Clerk’s Office), and spoke on overdoses and deaths from overdoses in Richmond. It was noted that First Nations suffer a disproportionate burden from this crisis in VCH. A Public Health Emergency was declared in British Columbia (BC) in 2016, and over 18,000 people have died since then, with a peak in 2023 with 7 individuals dying per day in BC. Richmond’s highest rate was in 2021, and the rate has been declining since. Furthermore, it was noted that Richmond offers a variety of mental health and substance use services for adults, children and youth, bed-based substance use services, and housing and supports. |
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In response to queries from Committee, the delegation advised that (i) the primary reason fatalities have decreased has not been determined, new medications on market cause overdoses but are not fatal, (ii) data is collected from the coroner’s office, BC Centre for Disease Control website, and BC Emergency Health Services, (iii) resources available throughout Vancouver Coastal region to support individuals throughout different stages of recovery, (iv) care and supportive housing is set-up through contractors including BC Housing, and (v) VCH provides supportive health services. |
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(2) |
Brennan MacLachlan, Program Manager, Emergency Planning, and Jennifer Hayes, Coordinator, Emergency Programs, shared a PowerPoint presentation (copy on-file, City Clerk’s Office), highlighting the current state of the program, including the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) preparations in support of the Richmond Celebrates Soccer public engagement and preparedness. |
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In response to queries from Committee, the delegation advised that (i) the command centre is located next door to Richmond City Centre, developing a deployable command centre for EOC, (ii) grant funding includes First Nations engagement funding, and Union of British Columbia Municipalities community emergency preparedness fund, (iii) focusing on developing capability and training, submit additional levels request annually, and (iv) liaise regularly with YVR and member participation in regulatory exercises each year. |
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LAW AND COMMUNITY SAFETY DIVISION |
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2. |
Community Bylaws Monthly Activity Report - April 2026 (File Ref. No. 12-8375-02) (REDMS No. 8411888) |
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In response to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) six tickets for zoning violations have been issued in 2026 for the soil work removal order at 114100 No. 2 Road, and an investigation is underway, (ii) a number of garbage and vegetation violations can be correlated to abandoned properties, (iii) pre-deployment of parking patrols on two principles, 1) safety, and 2) hot spots, (iv) follow up on complaints and enter information into dataset including time, date, location, and vehicle details, and (v) warning violations issued for water bylaw infractions, in stage three bypass warnings and issue tickets; will increase control in certain areas. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the report titled “Community Bylaws Monthly Activity Report – April 2026”, dated May 15, 2026, from the General Manager, Law and Community Safety, be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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3. |
Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report – April 2026 (File Ref. No. 09-5140-01) (REDMS No. 8409689) |
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In response to queries from Committee, staff advised that an accidental breach of pipe at a school, by a tradesman on site, was resolved by the crew who shut off the gas, ventilated the space, and evacuated the site. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the report titled “Richmond Fire-Rescue Activity Report – April 2026”, dated May 11, 2026, from the General Manager, Law and Community Safety, be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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4. |
FIRE CHIEF BRIEFING |
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Acting Fire Chief Grant Wyenberg provided a briefing and highlighted that 3,500 attendees came to the open house held on the first weekend of June 2026, partners from YVR attended, and informed the second day of hazmat training was completed with YVR, additional training scheduled with VCH, BC Ambulance, and YVR. |
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5. |
RCMP Monthly Activity Report – April 2026 (File Ref. No. 09-5030-01) (REDMS No. 8417831) |
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In response to queries from Committee, Chief Supt.Chauhan advised that |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the report titled “RCMP Monthly Activity Report – April 2026”, dated May 13, 2026, from the Officer in Charge, be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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6. |
RCMP/OIC BRIEFING |
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Chief Supt. Chauhan advised that Supt. Julie Drotar has retired from her position following a distinguished career with the RCMP. Staff advised that a letter of thanks was presented to Supt. Drotar. |
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Chief Supt. Chauhan introduced Mike Roberts as the new superintendent. |
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As a result of discussion, the Committee introduced the following motion: |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That Committee congratulate Supt. Julie Drotar on her retirement and give thanks for her service with the Richmond RCMP. |
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CARRIED |
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Chief Supt. Chauhan briefed Committee on the Youth Academy, noting that candidate interviews are currently taking place. |
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7. |
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 5:08 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, June 9, 2026. |
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_________________________________ |
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Councillor Alexa Loo |
Jasmeen Dhillon |