Latest News

A city staff report notes that there has been no update on the George Massey Tunnel replacement project for months.

Photo by Chung Chow

Massey crossing remains stalled

By Hannah Scott, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Published 3:39 PDT, Mon June 21, 2021

—

City staff have submitted a report in advance of this week’s public works and transportation committee meeting that notes the lack of progress on the George Massey Tunnel replacement project. The provincial ministry of transportation and infrastructure previously noted timelines dependent on securing funding for various elements of the project. The report says the city has not received an update for five months, although staff continue to engage with the ministry project team and advocate for the city’s interests on Richmond-based components.

Climate action funding

The city is considering a formal expression of concern over the ending of the provincial Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program. A staff report submitted in advance of this week’s general purposes committee meeting notes that the cancellation of the program, which has achieved positive outcomes, was unexpected. The city has successfully used funding from the program towards its climate action initiatives, and now anticipates a loss of about $230,000 in 2022 revenue. The province expects to provide ongoing funds for climate action through other programs.

Award entries

City staff are recommending councillors endorse Richmond’s entries for the annual Union of B.C. Municipalities Community Excellence Awards. The entries are:

• Excellence in governance: City of Richmond affordable housing strategy 2017-2027

• Excellence in service delivery: Works yard—Recycling depot upgrades

• Excellence in asset management: Water demand management program

• Excellence in sustainability: High reclaimed asphalt paving pilot program

Rental restrictions

A public hearing this week will cover a bylaw amendment on rental and age restrictions in the city. If approved, the new bylaw would require that no townhouse or multiple family dwelling unit in a new project be restricted from being rented, or be subject to age restrictions for its occupants.

Dike plans

Public and stakeholder engagement will soon begin on Phase 4 of the dike master plan, which includes the north dike between No. 6 and Boundary roads. A staff report submitted to this week’s public works and transportation committee meeting notes that about 87 per cent of the dikes in this area include an existing roadway on top of the dike. In these areas, staff recommend separating the dike from the road, leaving a 10-metre wide dike portion to allow for future dike raising without road modifications. The proposal also includes a separated multi-use path for cyclists and pedestrians on top of the dike and a designated bike lane on the new road. Some areas of the Phase 4 area have different solutions recommended, depending on the existing conditions.

Electric vehicles

Beginning in September, Richmond students may be able to learn about electric vehicles in class thanks to a program promoting electrical vehicle awareness among youth, helped by a $10,000 grant from Emotive’s community outreach incentive program. The program was a collaboration between the city, school district, Plug-In BC and Plug-In Richmond, as well as the city’s Green Ambassadors.

Help Cities Lead

A staff report submitted in advance of this week’s public works and transportation committee meeting is aiming to improve buildings’ energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reductions. The report seeks council’s endorsement of the Help Cities Lead advocacy campaign. Help Cities Lead identifies five areas where provincial delegation would help local governments implement policies and programs that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade.