The Oct. 15 municipal election saw Richmond voters select a mayor and eight city councillors. Those elected representatives were invited to share some of their thoughts and hopes for the next four years.

MALCOLM BRODIE, MAYOR

What is your favourite thing about living in Richmond?

My favourite thing about living in Richmond is our diversity, which makes the city so interesting. While we face challenges at times, generally residents are positive about our diversity and show respect for differing points of view.  

What is your favourite place in the city?

My favourite place is Garry Point Park where residents go for recreation in a very restful setting. From the dog walkers to the kites, the park always provides an interesting and relaxing experience.  

What excites you the most about being elected to continue as mayor for the next four years?

It provides an opportunity to work with an interesting council in changing times as we further shape the city for the future.  

Are there any elements of current policy that you would like to see changed?

The city’s policies are always subject to review, inspection, and alteration so they remain relevant during times of growth and change.  

How would you reflect on the challenges Richmond has faced over the last four years?

The last four years have seen growth in the city during a time of significant adjustment because of the pandemic. Many changes in the programs and routines for the city facilities were mandated during this unprecedented time. The gradual re-opening which followed was just as challenging. The city always tried to keep everything as “normal” as possible in spite of this existential threat.   

What challenges do you foresee council guiding the city through over the next four years, and how do you hope to build on the work of the previous council?

The largest challenge in the next four years will be council’s review of the Official Community Plan, the overall guiding document which sets the tone and vision of the city’s future development. It was first formulated decades ago and, with public input and revisions, has provided a sound framework for our overall civic vision. Council thus builds on the planning work of previous councils as it strategizes the future direction for the city. 

CHAK AU, CITY COUNCILLOR

What is your favourite thing about living in Richmond?

Richmond’s multicultural characteristic is exciting. You can “see the world” without leaving the city.

What is your favourite place in the city?

Home. There’s no place like home.

What excites you the most about being elected to continue as a city councillor for the next four years?

Being re-elected is like passing the year-end exam with high scores. I thank every resident l met and treasure every voice l heard during the campaign. 

Are there any elements of current policy that you would like to see changed?

It is clear that Richmond residents are suffering from the high cost of living, and many small businesses are struggling to survive. The city has to do a better job to control spending, reset its priorities, and create a business-friendly environment.

What proposals do you hope to bring forward?

• Reduce red tape and streamline the application process for different business licences and permits

• Reset the city budget for the new term

• Use city-owned land to increase affordable housing supply

• Develop entrepreneurial programs to help the younger generation stay in the city

How do you hope to build on your work with the previous council over the next four years?

I would like to carry on with my collaborative working style. I appreciate the wide range of knowledge, perspectives, expertise, and experience that each of us brings to the table.

What is one thing you feel you can offer Richmond in your role?

I see myself as a bridge to help bring the community together. I will make sure that different voices are represented and heard in council. 

CAROL DAY, CITY COUNCILLOR

What is your favourite thing about living in Richmond?

I have lived in Richmond since I was four; it is home. I curl at the winter club, paddle at the UBC Boathouse, take painting classes, and kayak on the Fraser River. I feel Richmond is magical.

What is your favourite place in the city?

I love the Steveston Harbour with great food and drink and fresh fish from fishermen. The Highway to Heaven is a sense of pride for me. The Garden City Lands are my greatest achievement. I worked along with a half dozen people to save the lands from condos. 

What excites you the most about being elected to continue as a city councillor for the next four years?

I am thrilled (to) have three team members from RITE Richmond and I feel we have a chance to make some progressive changes. I have learned so much from Coun. (Harold) Steves about never giving up on an issue and working the vote until change finally is achieved. 

Are there any elements of current policy that you would like to see changed?

The city could be more transparent; while I understand that we have rules to follow, they sometimes get in the way of making changes the public wants. We should not just tolerate people at council meetings, we should welcome them. 

What proposals do you hope to bring forward?

We need more rental apartments to make renting more affordable. We also need (fewer) luxury townhouses and more affordable condos. We need to consider gentle density in existing neighbourhoods. We can densify around community hubs like neighbourhood shopping centres.

How do you hope to build on your work with the previous council over the next four years?

Council needs to pull together and welcome new ideas, so I will try to build those relationships and work towards creating a more welcoming environment for all members of council that allows for respectful and effective debate. Fresh ideas start with listening; we have a lot of talent on council and we need to respect each other and learn to be more open-minded.

What is one thing you feel you can offer Richmond in your role?

I am 100 per cent committed to the people of Richmond and I work to find a solution to every issue they bring to me.

LAURA GILLANDERS, CITY COUNCILLOR

What is your favourite thing about living in Richmond? 

The sense of community and belonging, the sunshine, wildlife, availability of local food, quiet, and safety.

What is your favourite place in the city? 

The dike trails, particularly the west dike trail, Finn Slough, and the view from the No. 2 Road Bridge.

What excites you the most about being elected as a city councillor for the next four years? 

The opportunity to gain experience, grow, and give back.

Are there any elements of current policy that you would like to see changed? 

It really is a great city, though we could be more proactive when it comes to certain things such as reconciliation. I will need to learn the ins and outs of our policies before deciding what I think needs changing. 

What proposals do you hope to bring forward? 

I would like policy that ensures new developments have to work around existing significant trees; I have an idea for giving bonus density to developers in exchange for tree retention in certain areas. I would like to put more resources into connecting and improving our bike lanes and sidewalk systems for safer driving, walking, and biking/scooting. I want to make sure we are doing everything we can to fast-track affordable and rental housing projects.

What is one thing you feel you can offer Richmond in your new role? 

Rotation of leadership is healthy and new voices and fresh perspectives are a good thing. I have on-the-ground experience of what it is like right now to rent a home and raise a family here while also owning and growing a business in Richmond. I also bring a collaborative and friendly work ethic. 

KASH HEED, CITY COUNCILLOR

What is your favourite thing about living in Richmond?

Richmond has the amenities that one needs to work, live, and play, and it is the ideal location for easy access to Vancouver and surrounding municipalities. 

What is your favourite place in the city?

Although Richmond is geographically small, there are distinct areas that each offer a unique experience. From having coffee in Terra Nova to experiencing the fine foods in the eastern area of Richmond to dining in Steveston or shopping at Richmond Centre, it would be difficult to single out a favourite place. 

What excites you the most about being elected as a city councillor for the next four years?

Pursuing a contemporary approach to serving the constituents in Richmond with open dialogue, while moving Richmond to the forefront on several issues throughout the region. 

Are there any elements of current policy that you would like to see changed?

Many.

What proposals do you hope to bring forward?

Referring to the four priority issues I brought forward during the campaign—public safety, housing, senior living, and good government, which includes term limits.

What is one thing you feel you can offer Richmond in your new role?

Positive change that is equitable, fair, effective, and transparent.

ANDY HOBBS, CITY COUNCILLOR

What is your favourite thing about living in Richmond?  

Richmond has always been a safe community to raise a family.

What is your favourite place in the city?

The Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site is one favourite among many. It reflects the diverse cultural histories with how we worked and lived by the Fraser River.

What excites you the most about being elected to continue as a city councillor for the next four years?

Service. It’s important and council is an opportunity to help others with issues that are important to them whether it’s an individual issue such as a problem premises, an Agricultural Land Reserve/farm issue, or a larger policy land use issue such as the Official Community Plan (OCP) review which impacts all of us. 

Are there any elements of current policy that you would like to see changed?

The OCP is under review and changes such as density are highly probable as part of the process. I’d like to explore changes to our election sign bylaw.

What proposals do you hope to bring forward?

Housing affordability has multiple challenges including costs, supply, and demand. Richmond must ensure that we remain competitive and review policies and practices, such as parking ratios and density, to provide livable options for people.  

How do you hope to build on your work with the previous council over the next four years?

Having served on council for just 17 months after the by-election in May 2021, community safety, including dikes, drainage, and sewer upgrades—which are expensive and necessary—remain priorities.

What is one thing you feel you can offer Richmond in your role?

I’m experienced in working with diverse groups to resolve complex issues. I’ve been successful and bring a balanced skill set to the table.

ALEXA LOO, CITY COUNCILLOR

What is your favourite thing about living in Richmond?

I love the diversity. From the people, backgrounds, foods, and traditions, we have a truly multicultural city.

What is your favourite place in the city?

Minoru—between the pool, track, seniors centre, library, and cultural centre, there is something for everyone. 

What excites you the most about being elected to continue as a city councillor for the next four years?

I love the opportunity to continue making life even better for people in Richmond from improving transportation options which will reduce congestion, to building friendly neighbourhoods as we add density and housing to the city.  

Are there any elements of current policy that you would like to see changed?

I agree with most of our policies. My hope is that all of council can have enough confidence in the policies that we create and uphold them. Changing policies on the fly and not following through on policies that we have created, particularly new policies, is not good governance. The community needs to have confidence that we trust our own decision-making process.

What proposals do you hope to bring forward?

I’d like to explore revenue opportunities to fund arts, sport, heritage, and recreation. We can’t keep relying so heavily on property taxes to fund these things. I would also like to speed up our 15-year Bike Strategy and install secure bike parking in key locations throughout the city. 

How do you hope to build on your work with the previous council over the next four years?

As we move into the update of the Official Community Plan, we have an opportunity to work with residents and bring forward new ideas, as well as some lessons learned from past councils. My hope is that the new council will be keen to continue investing in facilities and programs that bring people together. 

What is one thing you feel you can offer Richmond in your role?

In addition to my strong financial background, I have built many relationships over my past two terms. Many of our goals in Richmond (are completed) through relationships with Metro Vancouver and other orders of government. I have served on Metro Vancouver for six years and attended many conferences, learning and building relationships. I love connecting people who can support each other with their community or business projects.

BILL MCNULTY, CITY COUNCILLOR

What is your favourite thing about living in Richmond?

Richmond is one of the safest communities in North America. It is well planned and supports many quality amenities for livability, making it a vibrant, diverse city.

What is your favourite place in the city?

Historic Steveston has its own unique character. It has a sense of connection and special “spirit of Steveston,” as reflected in its people.

What excites you the most about being elected to continue as a city councillor for the next four years?

I welcome the opportunity to expand affordable housing options for people of all ages by working with development and partnerships to stimulate the supply of below-market and market rental housing. I look forward to the start of construction of the Steveston Community Centre and library, which will provide increased quality community services.

Are there any elements of current policy that you would like to see changed?

The Official Community Plan (OCP), the Arterial Road Policy, and the City Centre Plan need revisiting to address the need for increased rental housing.

What proposals do you hope to bring forward?

I want to streamline applications for affordable rental housing, accelerate diking upgrades, and build a community police station in Hamilton.

How do you hope to build on your work with the previous council over the next four years?

I will continue to work hard with the majority of council that want to maintain a positive focus and resolve issues that matter most to the residents of Richmond.

What is one thing you feel you can offer Richmond in your role?

My experience, knowledge, and leadership skills in public service will contribute to a more progressive Richmond.

MICHAEL WOLFE , CITY COUNCILLOR

What is your favourite thing about living in Richmond?

We are an “Island City by Nature,” giving us access to arms of the Fraser River and the ocean.

What is your favourite place in the city?

The bog habitats of the Richmond Nature Park, Garden City Lands, and a few more hidden sites on the Agriculture Land Reserve in east Richmond.

What excites you the most about being elected to continue as a city councillor for the next four years?

The voters have spoken and I have earned my re-election. In addition, I have mentorship relations with my fellow RITE Richmond councillors Carol Day and Laura Gillanders.

Are there any elements of current policy that you would like to see changed?

I’d like to see habitat compensation become reality and a strengthened tree protection bylaw.

What proposals do you hope to bring forward?

Rental tenure zoning and an updated Environmentally Sensitive Areas map.

How do you hope to build on your work with the previous council over the next four years?

I’ll keep in touch with the newly-retired Harold Steves.

What is one thing you feel you can offer Richmond in your role?

I value those with an excellent attendance record.