After 25 years as Mayor of Richmond, I have made the decision not to seek another term of office in the next election set for October 2026. Over the years, it has been an immense honour and a privilege to have served the City through times of growth, opportunity and challenge.
Since 1996 and 2001 when first elected as a Richmond City Councillor and Mayor respectively, I have been honoured to work with our City Councils and staff as well as our residents and businesses on issues of importance to all. I have also had the advantage of being able to build on the legacies of so many visionary predecessors – Mayors from Hugh Boyd to Greg Halsey-Brandt in addition to long-serving City Councillors.
When reflecting on changes to the City over my years in office, the focus usually is on the major facilities – the Richmond Olympic Oval, the Canada Line, the firehalls, the City Centre Community Centre and the Minoru Centre for Active Living among others. However, so much of the story over the years is about the people. Richmond has often been described as being diverse in population, healthy, active and vibrant while being supportive of families.
The City is among the civic leaders in promoting sustainability, environmental enhancement, recreational opportunities, effective use of technology, implementation of affordable housing, adaptation to climate change, implementation strategies to reduce GHG emissions and accommodation for growth. Though Richmond’s economy has grown from being farming and fishing-based to being a modern urban centre with a diverse business sector, the community’s heritage values have always been respected.
Especially with the expected growth, there promises to be many future challenges which will necessitate constant change. For example, the process relating to the court’s Cowichan aboriginal title declaration needs to be pursued as the result of the real threat it poses to homeowners in Richmond and throughout the Province. Housing in general is an increasingly complex issue – both in terms of affordability and supply. The City must support those who have no home through assistance in various forms while supporting neighbourhoods. Expansion and renewal of infrastructure must continue. Inflation of costs will always strain the ability to minimize yearly tax increases. There will be more pressure on recreational programs which makes the building of the new community centre in north Richmond more urgent. Cultural opportunities must be enhanced. And there is much more on the list.
I have appreciated the steadfast support that I have received over the years from the various City Councils and entire organization of city staff as well as our active volunteer base. My entire family has always been very enthusiastic in supporting my role in the community and that has proven invaluable. The various agencies and businesses in the community have always been instrumental in the success of the City. I am very grateful to all and will leave office fully confident that the Mayors and City Councillors of the future will preserve the legacies built over the years while they enhance the stature of Richmond as an important urban centre in the Province.
I will continue to remain fully engaged in my elected role until the end of my term in November 2026 in order to assist in positioning Richmond strongly for the future. By providing notice at this
early time, anyone wishing to seek the position should have ample time to envision strategies for how the City should meet future challenges and take advantage of opportunities that may arise.
Thank you for electing me to serve the City of Richmond during such a time of significant transition.
Malcolm Brodie
Mayor of City of Richmond
Contact Information
Gillian Baker, Executive Assistant to the Mayor
Phone: 604-276-4123
Email: mayorea@richmond.ca
