Latest News
Photo courtesy City of Richmond
Serving the community: A Councillor’s commitment
Published 11:44 PDT, Fri April 25, 2025
—
Life of a Councillor. What does it mean to work as an elected city councillor? Primarily it is the job of a councillor to learn about all the issues and work towards solutions and ultimately vote what you believe will best fulfill the needs for the citizens of Richmond.
The broad range of matters include housing projects, zoning, policing, fire-rescue, diking, roads, facilities such as pools, ice rinks, parks, works yard services, etc. For example, when a $94-million- project like the Steveston Community Centre and Library need approval, it is vital to spend the massive budgets wisely and choose designs that will address the needs of our citizens.
The real challenge arises when the community is divided, and you can’t please everyone. Your role is to research thoroughly and make decisions based on the best information available.
Council member roles on City Standing Committees are assigned in consultation with the Mayor every two years. In my case, I was assigned as a voting member of the Planning Committee and as the chair of the Public works and Transportation committee.
It is my belief that councilors should try and attend as many of the other committees as possible such as the Parks and Recreation and Cultural Committee, Community Safety Committee, and of course the General Purposes Committee, Finance Committee, Public Hearings and Council meetings. The ability to attend meetings via ZOOM makes managing the schedule much easier.
And there is more…
All councilors are assigned to outside committees. In my case I represent the city on the Seniors Advisory, Childcare Advisory, Youth Advisory, West Richmond Community Center, Richmond Fitness and Wellness, Richmond Art Gallery Advisory and the Steveston Harbour Authority committees. Neighbourhood groups are necessary to stay in touch with because the grass roots concerns they have are important to understand.
The community events a councillor is invited to attend include Chamber of Commerce, various galas, charitable groups, nonprofit groups, events for dignitaries, unveiling of new projects or shows, and so much more.
Of course, if you’re having lunch with a friend it is not uncommon for a citizen to recognize you and have an idea or issue they would like to discuss. The most successful councillor is someone who values people and is eager to be involved in the issues that matter to everyday citizens. This is why I endeavor to answer every email and phone call so I can stay connected and be of service.
Every four years you re-apply for your job through the election process. You knock on doors, have roadside signs, attend debates and spend money on promotion to ensure citizens see and hear you. It is all worth it because you love your city, its residents, businesses and visitors, and you want to work to make it a better place.
2 Hours of free financial consulting
Jai Xin Planning Ltd.
C$120.00 C$0.00
Use any of our home staging service and get a second month rental for free!
MiiX Interiors
C$500.00 C$0.00
Get 10% off any order
Phantom Screens Lower Mainland
C$200.00 C$180.00
