The annual “A Not So Silent Night” auction is taking place tomorrow night, and there’s still time to bid online.
The silent auction, hosted by Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG) benefits the Richmond Christmas Fund and is taking place both in-person and virtually this year.
Items up for bidding range from appliances to restaurant gifts, as well as unique experiences such as a dinner with Mayor Malcolm Brodie. …
It looks like the Steveston outdoor pool will have extended hours once again next year – a decision that caused the Richmond city 2023 budget to go up a smidgeon.
In their deliberation on next year’s budget, looking at an increase of 5.88 per cent, Richmond city council decided to add 0.01 per cent – $27,000 – to continue extended hours at the popular outdoor pool. …
Mayor Malcolm Brodie pointed the budget already includes a poverty reduction planner and social equity coordinator, and he didn’t think the city could afford to hire yet another person in this area.
“From my point of view, that’s plenty in that area,” he said. “There will never be enough but that’s all we can have this year, as far as I’m concerned.” …
Christmas trees at Richmond City Hall just got lit up to signal the beginning of the festive season.
Members of the Rotary Club of Richmond, local dignitaries and community members gathered at Richmond City Hall last night for a private fundraiser and to kick off the 21st annual Winter Wonderland. The funds, said Rotary Club of Richmond event chair Madgalen Leung, will go towards supporting the Richmond Christmas Fund.
To get into a festive mood, the Richmond Chorus and Mayor Malcolm Brodie led attendees in a cheerful sing-a-long of classic carols including Silent Night, Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer and O Come All Ye Faithful. …
Four design and development projects in Richmond, along with three honourable mentions, were recognized for urban design excellence during Monday’s council meeting.
The Lulu Awards are presented every four years by the city and recognize “vision and excellence” in architecture, streetscapes and built landscapes in the city. Eligible projects include residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, open spaces, public utilities and recreational projects. …
“Well-planned urban design is the hallmark of livable communities, adding to the vibrancy and appeal of our city,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie.
“Many viable projects were submitted and we thank all the talented people involved and the jury panel. It is always a pleasure to present these awards celebrating and inspiring the vision and dedication to Richmond’s urban design.” …
Brothels, bars and gambling dens were once prolific in Steveston, keeping the community vibrant.
But now Steveston “rolls up the sidewalk at 9 o’clock,” according to a local developer who was advocating for more housing in Steveston Village to revitalize the area, especially in the off-peak months.
Dana Westermark was speaking to city council Monday as they deliberated whether to remove residential uses and reduce the height of buildings on a six-property waterfront strip on the south side of Bayview Street. …
Former city councillor Linda Barnes, also arguing for residential in this area, said she’d been told by the Steveston Business Association that 11 businesses were for sale in the village, emphasizing the need for more residential development to support them.
But Mayor Malcolm Brodie pointed out homes have been added to Steveston Village, from No. 1 Road to the Britannia Shipyards, and the same complaint from merchants is still heard about businesses struggling to make a go of it.
“There are hundreds of residences that were put in as part of the BC Packers project, and yet the same complaint is made before that as after that, during the winter months, the merchants need more support,” Brodie said. …
Richmond city council made it very clear to BC Hydro they don’t want overhead transmission lines at the George Massey crossing.
Even if there were a change of government and the plan reverted back to a bridge, they still don’t want large transmission lines over the river crossing.
BC Hydro was updating city council on its plan to replace the current transmission lines that run through the existing tunnel, saying they have three options: an overhead line, a separate tunnel for the transmission line or putting the line in the new immersed tube tunnel.
Mayor Malcolm Brodie said he couldn’t understand why BC Hydro ever considered a “regressive” overhead transmission lines that look like they’re from the 1920s.
“I always struggle to determine just how is that future-oriented,” Brodie told the BC Hydro representatives.
Coun. Carol Day described overhead transmission lines as unsightly, dangerous and an eyesore. …
Hearts were warm on Saturday morning as the community gathered to support the Richmond Christmas Fund.
Richmondites arrived with toys and donations for Richmond RCMP’s eighth annual toy drive and enjoyed mini donuts while checking out booths by local organizations and businesses on Nov. 19.
The dunk tank also made a triumphant return, with Richmond RCMP Officer-in-Charge Chief Supt. Dave Chauhan and Richmond South-Centre MLA Henry Yao stepping up to the plank.
Chauhan, who was getting dunked for the first time ever, said he was “a little nervous but also very excited” about this “unique experience.”
“This is such a great event for such a great cause to help the children and families during this holiday season, and I’m just so happy to be here,” he said. Chauhan was plunged into the freezing tank amidst cheers as Mayor Malcolm Brodie hit the bullseye with one try. …
The City of Richmond is seeking public feedback on its draft Circular City Strategy, a roadmap to guide the organization, residents, businesses and stakeholders toward achieving a circular economy.
A circular economy is one where residents and businesses make use of resources while protecting the natural environment. This involves developing and implementing policies and actions that encourage and support responsible consumption, minimal waste, and the reimagining of how resources are used in a sustainable, equitable, low-carbon economy.
The City is seeking public feedback on the strategy via LetsTalkRichmond.ca.
“Richmond is acknowledged as a leader in environmental innovation and sustainability, thanks in part to the feedback and ideas brought forward from our residents and businesses,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “Council has encouraged moving to a circular economy to support our commitment to making better use of resources while creating new business and economic opportunities. It is therefore important that the community share its thoughts on how to best implement this approach.” …
The City of Richmond is launching a new video series highlighting stories of newly settled Richmond residents and resources to help them in the community.
Five short videos were created for the Newcomers Video Series project and is part of the city’s Cultural Harmony Plan.
The plan is looking to create “viable options of providing city-related information” to those new to the city, immigrants and refugees to help them access available services to get them settled.
There are several subtitle languages for the videos including Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), Punjabi and Ukranian.
Subtitles in Arabic and Farsi are also in the works.
“The City recognizes the unique experiences of newcomers and the ongoing need to strive towards inclusion for all residents,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie.
“This informative video series celebrates and highlights the opportunities for newcomers in Richmond.” …
The City of Richmond is launching a Newcomers Video Series, which features stories of new arrivals who have settled in Richmond and provides them with resources in accessing services in the community.
“The City recognizes the unique experiences of newcomers and the ongoing need to strive towards inclusion for all residents,” said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “This informative video series celebrates and highlights the opportunities for newcomers in Richmond.” …