RICHMOND

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.

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

Key Points:

• Detailed assessment of costs for Proposed Public Safety Camera System to be presented for Council's consideration in future budget process.
• Feasibility of obtaining Court declaration for expenditures associated with Proposed Public Safety Camera System to be explored.
• Privacy Impact Assessment for Proposed Public Safety Camera System to be undertaken.
• Report to be provided to Office of Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, and Richmond Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly.