Category: In the News

Delta Optimist

It’s not right that Ladner gets nothing.

That’s what Delta South MLA Ian Paton said in the legislature Monday, reiterating a call he also made last week for the provincial government to step up and support local river channel dredging.

The BC United MLA referred to last month’s announcement of $2.1 million in funding to improve access to Steveston Harbour for dredging that will maintain the Cannery Channel approach to the harbour. …

Mayor George Harvie told the Optimist that he and Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie have taken the lead on the issue at the Metro Vancouver level, along with Tsawwassen First Nation Chief Laura Cassidy and Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow.

Harvie noted he raised the issue with a delegation in Ottawa last week, adding it’s his objective to have the federal government take the responsibility of having the secondary channels of the South Fraser be the responsibility of the Port of Vancouver, who regularly dredge the Fraser River. …

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Richmond News

There were some “hiccups” along the way in building it, but in the end, the Minoru Centre for Active Living has won accolades from recreation experts on its design.

The facility, which houses an aquatic centre and a seniors centre, received the provincial Facility Excellence Award for projects over $3 million from the BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA).

On accepting the award at Monday’s city council meeting, Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie praised the facility despite the “hiccups” along the way, including the delayed opening.

Brodie said he was “honoured” to receive the award.

“The Minoru Centre for Active Living is an outstanding example of how working with our community can create a truly exceptional, functional and successful facility,” Brodie said in a press release.

The seniors centre portion opened in 2020, about two years later than first expected. …

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Richmond News

Richmond will remain one of the last Metro Vancouver municipalities to ban cannabis retailers, at least for now.

Steveston resident Karina Reid spoke to city council at Monday’s meeting advocating to overturn its current stance against retail outlets.

“Everyone in Richmond deserves to have equitable access to legal municipal cannabis,” said Reid.

She told council cannabis has been helpful for her mother-in-law in coping with pain from arthritis. …

The motion was defeated on a tied vote with Couns. Chak Au, Kash Heed, Bill McNulty, as well as the mayor voting against it.

“I’m not going to support that. … You can get mail-order cannabis. It actually comes from a distribution centre in east Richmond,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie, who added that, while the suggestion was to allow stores for medical purposes, the motion was about options for cannabis stores at large. …

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Richmond News

Do you need a dog licence or to pay for your property taxes in Richmond?

The city has launched a new app to allow residents access to city programs and services from their phones or other mobile devices.

The MyRichmond app replaces the previous RichmondBC app, and is available on both iOS and Android devices.

The city said in its announcement of the app that it’s a “significantly improved replacement” of its previous app. …

“Finding more ways to easily connect residents and businesses with the city is important,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “… We encourage residents and business operators to download and sign up for the app so they can benefit directly from its many features.” …

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Richmond News

Community members will get to look behind the scenes at how the city keeps its roads, water and sewer infrastructure and parks at their best.

The free Public Works Open House will be returning to in-person on May 13 after a three-year hiatus at the City Operations Yard at 5599 Lynas Lane. The event is part of the annual National Public Works Week, which runs from May 21 to 27.

The event promises a fun-filled experience with interactive activities such as stamp collection for children, a display of heavy equipment such as excavators and dump trucks, as well as educational booths about flood protection, lawn care and city departments. …

“We are delighted to bring you the return of one of our most anticipated annual events, the Public Works Open House, where our staff and others volunteer their time to present this fun all-ages event,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie.

“We are proud to showcase Richmond’s sustainable work practices, environmental leadership and commitment to health, safety and quality of life.” …

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Vancouverisawesome.com

The new vendor at Garry Point Park in Steveston said he was waiting for a chance to open up in his home town – and now he has it.

Elango Palani, who owns and operates Organic Villa Catering on Garden City Road, will open Garry Point Grill & Fish ‘N’ Chips on Thursday, May 4.

Palani is taking over from the much-loved Pajo’s, following their controversial departure from the park location after they lost out in the bidding process, despite being there for 23 years. …

When the news broke that Pajo’s – which still has its main location on the boardwalk at Steveston Harbour – was not getting its contract with the City of Richmond renewed at the park, there was an outcry from many residents and tourists alike.

Even the city’s mayor, Malcolm Brodie, had to send a letter to the Richmond News, pointing out to readers that the selection process was fair and in the best interests of the community. …

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Richmond News

Richmond Art Gallery, the museum, the library and city hall will all have displays, programs or events celebrating Asian heritage throughout the month of May.

This month is Asian Heritage Month, which allows the public to learn about Asian cultures and the contributions and achievements of Canadians of Asian heritage.

“Richmond has one of the largest Asian populations in Canada,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “The diversity of history, philosophies, religion and cultural aspects helped shape Richmond’s past and will forge our future. I encourage you to take this month to learn something new at one of our many programs and exhibitions.” …

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Richmond News

Richmond Mounties and City of Richmond staff will once again be on the lookout for young people doing good things.

The much-vaunted “Positive Ticket” program has been launched again, whereby police officers, city Youth Services workers or community partners can issue a positive ticket if they witness a young person doing a good deed.

Each positive ticket can be redeemed by a youth (aged 18 years or younger) for one free drop-in session at participating Richmond community centres or facilities.

This could include a round of pitch and putt golf, skating, swimming, or a workout at a fitness centre or open gym. …

“The City is proud to continue its support of this innovative program which provides opportunities for youth to get involved in recreational activities as a reward for positive actions and behaviours,” added Mayor Malcolm Brodie.

“The concept of Positive Ticketing helps to bridge the gap between youth and the police, as well as other community leaders, by recognizing good behaviour and rewarding good deeds, while connecting and building relationships.” …

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Richmond News

The City of Richmond will be holding a series of events and awards for BC Youth Week, which celebrates the strong connections between youth and the community.

The activities will run from May 1 to 7, which include a self-guided scavenger hut to explore Richmond, a t-shirt design contest with the theme “connecting youth and building community,” a movie screening of The Lorax and a baking workshop.

The annual U-ROC (Richmond Outstanding Community) Youth Awards will also be held next week on May 4 to acknowledge the achievements and dedication of youths and adults in the community. A list of recipients will be posted here after May 4.

“Richmond youth contribute to the city’s vibrancy and sense of community through their enthusiasm and resiliency,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie.

“Youth Week is an ideal time to collaborate with community partners to offer fun activities throughout the week to show our appreciation of youth and to acknowledge their important role in Richmond.” …

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Richmond News

The Richmond Recycling Depot was recently named one of the top collectors and the top government facility by the BC Used Oil Management Association (BCUOMA).

The award for top collector recognizes efforts by public recycling centres across B.C. to collect used oil and antifreeze materials during the past year.

Richmond’s recycling depot ranked 14 out of the 30 winners, with Burnaby’s Eco-Centre, Abbotsford’s GFL Environmental Depot and Maple Ridge’s Ridge Meadows Recycling Society taking the top three spots. …

The City or Richmond’s recycling depot also won the inaugural Government Facility Award that recognizes the top government facility.

“The City of Richmond has a long-standing commitment to support and encourage our residents to use our recycling infrastructure to divert waste from landfills,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie.

“This award is further recognition of the work and dedication of council and city staff to create a greener environment by expanding the number of items accepted for recycling. Our award-winning Recycling Depot continues to provide a convenient, one-stop drop-off location for residents to reuse, repurpose and recycle multiple items including oil.” …

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