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Mayor Malcolm Brodie spoke about the city’s efforts to be more sustainable during his recent annual address.

Screen grab from Richmond Chamber of Commerce event

Mayor’s address focuses on sustainable initiatives

By Hannah Scott, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Published 10:44 PST, Thu February 24, 2022

Last Updated: 10:58 PST, Thu February 24, 2022

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Following another challenging year, Mayor Malcolm Brodie recently reflected on local achievements in his annual address hosted by the Richmond Chamber of Commerce.

Brodie, who has been a member of city council since 1996 and mayor since 2001, focused on sustainability and how its principles guide the city forward.

“Sustainability includes the development of policies, services, and supports that ensure we maintain a high quality of life and a strong economy for present and future generations,” said Brodie. “It involves many diverse areas such as ensuring safety for residents and businesses, providing adequate infrastructure, (and) supporting the local economy, as well as protecting our diverse culture.”

Outlining sustainable advancements in community safety, environmental practices, agriculture, and the economy, Brodie said it’s crucial to invest today in communities that will benefit future generations.

“As we enter 2022 and the Year of the Tiger, we do so with feelings of cautious optimism,” said Brodie. “We still have the ongoing influence of COVID-19 with all its variants. Climate change will also have a strong yet unpredictable impact once again.”

The coming year also includes a civic election in the fall, which will see veteran Coun. Harold Steves hanging up his hat. Brodie said the city is grateful for Steves’ many decades of elected service—“His insights will be sorely missed.”

After his prepared remarks, Brodie sat down with Tourism Richmond chief executive officer Nancy Small for a fireside chat. When asked about the possibility of a 2030 Olympic bid, he said it’s too early to say definitively.

“People reflect back on what we were able to do in 2010, and probably everybody listening to this has at least one very good recollection of what we were able to do and accomplish (in 2010),” he said. “But as we go forward, there’s different sides to the whole discussion.”

First, the city and the organizers would have to define what kind of role Richmond would play, then a business case would be built and public consultation undertaken.

Brodie expressed hope about the possibility of bringing people together for other events, like the Steveston Salmon Festival, Cherry Blossom Festival, Maritime Festival, and World Festival. And he highlighted the importance of the city’s arts investments and vibrant arts and culture scene.

Asked about electric vehicle infrastructure, Brodie said all new developments must have charging stations throughout the complex. The city is also working towards electrifying its fleet of vehicles.

“I have no doubt that it is the way of the foreseeable future and that we are going to need more and more (charging stations). People will take up the technology if they can be assured that they will have the supply of electricity,” said Brodie.