RICHMOND

The City of Richmond has released its 2023 Annual Development Cost Charges (DCC) Report, providing an overview of the city's DCC program and financial activities from the previous year.

• The report covers DCC amounts received, reserve fund expenditures and balances, as well as any waivers or reductions.
• The city completed a major DCC update and public engagement process in 2022, with new DCC rates approved by Council in 2023 under Bylaw No. 10436.
• The 2023 Annual DCC Report will be available on the city's website before June 30, 2024.

• Description and Principles: The report outlines the DCC program's description and guiding principles.
• 2023 DCC Reserve Fund Balances: The report includes details on the DCC reserve fund balances for 2023.
• 2023 DCC Credits: The report provides information on DCC credits issued in 2023.
• 2023 and 2024 DCC Programs: The report outlines the DCC programs for 2023 and 2024.
• Waivers and Reductions: The report includes details on any DCC waivers or reductions granted in 2023.
• Municipal Assist Factor: The report discusses the municipal assist factor, which is a percentage of the total DCC program costs that the city covers.

The 2023 Annual DCC Report is part of the city's efforts to ensure responsible financial management and governance, as outlined in its Strategic Plan 2022-2026.

The City of Richmond's Mayor Brodie has recognized the significant contributions of Joe Erceg, the General Manager of Planning and Development, who has served the city for 26 years.

• Served as the General Manager of Planning and Development for the City of Richmond for 26 years
• Played a crucial role in the city's development and land use planning during his tenure
• Received congratulations and gratitude from Mayor Brodie for his dedicated service and significant contributions to the city

The City of Richmond is extending its E-Scooter Pilot Project, which has seen over 107,000 public shared e-scooter trips since its launch in May 2022. The city recommends continuing participation in the provincial pilot to manage the use of these devices.

• The provincial government is extending the e-scooter project for another four-year period, effective April 5, 2024.
• The City's E-Scooter Pilot Project began in July 2021, allowing the public to legally ride e-scooters on streets with cycling facilities and shared pathways.
• A public survey showed interest and support for e-scooters, with concerns about sidewalk riding and enforcement.
• Safety and education campaigns, including collaboration with RCMP and Lime, are an integral part of the pilot project.
• E-scooter collision data is not yet available, but the incident rate for Lime devices is 0.02%.

• Recommendation 1: Endorse the extension of the City's E-Scooter Pilot Project as described in the staff report.
• Recommendation 2: Advise the Province that the City of Richmond consents to the Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project taking place within the City, effective April 5, 2024.

The City of Richmond is set to update its Economic Development Strategy, aiming to attract and retain businesses while fostering a thriving, diversified economic and employment base. The proposed approach involves engaging the business community and broader stakeholders to develop a new vision and key goals.

• The city adopted its first Economic Development Strategy in 2002, implementing actions such as business retention and expansion, economic indicators, and the Economic Advisory Committee.
• In 2014, the city endorsed the Resilient Economy Strategy, focusing on light industrial capacity, sustainable growth, and economic diversification.
• The new Economic Development Strategy will be developed through research, analysis, business/public engagement, and the creation of guiding principles.
• The draft strategy will be presented to the City Council for endorsement.

• Proactive stakeholder and civic engagement
• Strategic and sustainable community growth
• Leadership in environmental sustainability
• Vibrant, resilient and active communities

The City of Richmond has released an update on its Homelessness Strategy 2019-2029, highlighting progress made in 2023 to address the growing issue of homelessness in the city.

• The Metro Vancouver 2023 Homeless Count estimated a minimum of 162 individuals experiencing homelessness in Richmond, a 91% increase from 2020.
• The City extended the ground lease for Alderbridge Supportive Housing to prevent tenant displacement.
• The City approved the rezoning of City lands for a new 25-unit affordable housing building for women and women with children.
• The City increased resources in the 2024 budget to expand homelessness response capacity.
• The City continued to implement initiatives using UBCM grant funding, including expanded Warming Centres and Drop-in Centre services.

• Distribute: The Homelessness Strategy 2019-2029: 2023 Update will be distributed to key community partners, local Members of Parliament, and local Members of the Legislative Assembly, and posted on the City's website.

The City of Richmond's Finance Department has released its 2023 Annual Procurement Report, providing insights into the city's procurement activities and metrics for the previous year.

• The total value of contracts awarded over $75,000 was $61,445,633, with an additional $5,073,247 in contracts under $75,000.
• The city issued a total of 113 contracts over $75,000 and $73,275,240 in total Purchase Orders.
• The city's Purchasing Card Expenditures amounted to $7,000,304, with a rebate of approximately $58,000.

• Approximately $61 million in contracts over $75,000 were awarded through various procurement methodologies, including architectural, consulting, and construction contracts.
• Of the $61,445,633 in contracts over $75,000, $9,069,974.40 were sole or single source, primarily due to compatibility with existing city infrastructure and systems.
• Optional heading: Circular Procurement The city's Purchasing Department promotes circular procurement opportunities by including circular economy criteria in bid specifications and the decision-making process.

• The city's Purchasing Card Program enabled 19,563 transactions totaling $7,000,304.12 in 2023.

Mayor Brodie announced that the City Council will not be proceeding with the feasibility study for a supervised consumption site at Richmond Hospital.

The report outlines the 2024 Active Transportation Initiatives in Richmond, focusing on infrastructure projects, programs, and collaborations to support walking, cycling, and rolling trips.

• Capital Projects: Construction of Steveston Highway Multi-Use Pathway, No. 2 Road pathway, neighborhood bikeways, and cycling protection enhancements.

• Active Transportation Network Spot Improvements: Enhancing safety, accessibility, and connectivity in the system.

• Park, Road, and Development Projects: Reviewing projects impacting active transportation infrastructure.

• Cycling Network Plan Update: Prioritizing future capital projects for cycling network upgrades.

• Promotion and Education: Activities include bicycle education for students, participation in events, and awareness campaigns.

• Investment Report: City of Richmond's cash and investment balance was approximately $1.69 billion as of December 31, 2023, with breakdown by issuer category.
• Investment Performance: Overall weighted average investment yields for 2023 was 4.5%, with short-term funds earning an effective average annual yield of 5.6%.
• Investment Policy: City's investment activities were conducted in accordance with Policy 3703, which requires compliance with statutory requirements of Community Charter.

Concerns raised regarding proposed temporary Steveston Bus Exchange relocation:

• Safety concerns: Close proximity to daycare with 40 children daily
• Impact on pedestrians: 197 buses daily, bus turns near Garry Point Park concession stand
• Parking: Net loss on Chatham Street
• Community opposition: Petition circulated to hundreds of residents, majority not in support
• Request: Refer proposed exchange back to staff for further consideration