Mayor Malcolm Brodie 2003 Annual Address
December 8, 2003
City Council Meeting
Members of Council, City Staff, Ladies and Gentlemen
As your mayor, it is my pleasure to share with you tonight some of Richmond's remarkable achievements of 2003, and the challenges of the future. We welcome this opportunity to reflect on past accomplishments and to inform you of our progress toward achieving Councils Term Goals. Your City Council and I have worked extremely hard in the past twelve months to realize Richmond's vision. We always appreciate the constant support received from our active and informed community.
Earlier this year, Council endorsed five top priorities which form an integral part of the City's strategic approach to organizational work programs and operations. Those priorities are:
- Transportation and Community Mobility
- Community Safety
- Long Term Financial Planning
- Economic Development
- Customer Service
All five priorities relate to our vision for Richmond to be the most appealing, livable and well-managed city in Canada. Our accomplishments in the past year and the work now in progress have moved us closer to that goal. I am pleased tonight to be able to highlight our achievements in each of our priority areas.
Transportation and Community Mobility
Effective and efficient transportation is essential to community livability. As the City continues to grow, it is critical that we maintain viable transportation choices and networks that ensure community mobility. Council has made this a top priority. I am pleased to report that we are making substantial progress towards an integrated and environmentally friendly transportation system that connects all parts of the island and the rest of our region while addressing core area transportation issues.
This year, we made significant strides forward on the Richmond/Airport/Vancouver rapid transit project. We are closer now than ever in achieving our communitys long-held desire for a rapid transit link. Yet, there remains much work left to be done to ensure the project moves forward. The City is working closely with the RAV Project Team, consultants and stakeholders throughout the planning, design and public consultation process. This transportation link is essential to improving business competitiveness and community livability, not just in Richmond, but throughout the region and province. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that it becomes a successful, economically viable and environmentally sensitive reality.
The City also continues to work with TransLink to improve transit service in Richmond. The City secured commitments from TransLink for new regional services to Burnaby/Metrotown and Surrey/Newton, a new Williams Road cross-town community shuttle and service to the Crestwood Industrial Park, all of which will be implemented in 2004.
The level and quality of transportation for vehicles and pedestrians has been enhanced through numerous road improvements and pedestrian safety initiatives. Recently, we opened the Garden City Road extension, a major new gateway into Richmond. This is already significantly improving traffic flow in and out of our City Centre. We also undertook a much-needed upgrade of the eastern portion of Blundell Road and have encouraged the planning for a Blundell interchange to link important new development in East Richmond with Highway 99.
The City has now received final recommendations from the Steveston Advisory Task Force on Parking and the City Centre North Transit and Transportation Task Force. These will move us closer to improving traffic and parking conditions in the City. Further, I am pleased that we have secured over $6.2 million in Major Road Network capital funding from TransLink over three years for various road and traffic safety improvements, as well as for transit-related infrastructure improvements and cycling facility expansions.
Community Safety
Community safety is a cornerstone of livability and must always be another top priority. Richmond is one of the safest communities in Canada. Your Council is determined to be vigilant in proactively preserving and enhancing public safety, through new public safety service measures and service delivery models. We must at the same time ensure resources are effectively targeted to the needs and priorities of our community.
Council has created two task forces on Community Safety and Substance Abuse - to devise strategies for enhancing Richmond as a safe community. Both groups have reported back to Council with significant recommendations on important public safety issues. We have also worked hard with our community partners to enhance public safety and livability through our focus on such key issues as street racing, graffiti, vandalism and Halloween safety. We have also supported the RCMPs Green Team to deal with marijuana grow-ops, a disturbing and ongoing threat to public safety and order.
With growth and development in Richmond, the need for equipment replacements and upgrading City facilities is evident. A new Richmond Courthouse opened earlier this year, ensuring that our residents continue to have a high level of service from the courts. This is in direct contrast to neighbouring municipalities where many local court houses were closed. With a new courthouse, we could renovate the City's Public Safety Building, home of the Richmond RCMP, so that it better serves our communitys policing needs.
We are pleased to report that Richmond Fire Rescue facilities will undergo a major renewal during the coming years, designed to ensure that this important department can fully meet the needs of our residents. The preloads for the replacement of the fire halls at Sea Island and Hamilton are now in place. Construction on these projects is scheduled to begin in 2004 as we move forward with an ambitious and much-needed replacement plan for our aging and outdated fire halls. Replacement and upgrades of other fire halls will follow in coming years.
Our City is also extremely proud of the efforts of twenty-three of our Richmond firefighters who travelled to Kelowna on a rotational basis to help combat this summers devastating forest fires. Our City employees, led by staff at the Works Yard, also rallied to collect several truckloads of bedding, clothing and other items to assist the victims of the forest fires.
Richmond RCMP made significant strides this year with some important victories in targeting street racing and other criminal behaviour. A clear and strong message against criminal driving behaviour in Richmond must be at the forefront of motorists minds. By focussing on educating and engaging youth, the Criminal Driving Behaviour Project targets aggressive driving, road rage, street racing and impaired driving. I am pleased to report that incidents directly relating to street racing have been significantly reduced. In addition, auto thefts in Richmond have been decreased by 44 per cent, a notable level of achievement when the rate of auto theft is contrasted with previous trends.
We also take great pride in the fact that earlier this year, fifteen Auxiliary Constables graduated from the newly created Auxiliary Program. Another training program starts early in the new year. This program will benefit the public by providing for increased police presence and developing more partnerships with community groups. We want to provide a heightened sense of security within our community.
Richmond also played a prominent role in developing new regional policing initiatives including the launch of the Integrated Homicide Squad. This unit will help make region-wide policing more effective and cost efficient, while maintaining existing and important community policing service levels and autonomy.
I am particularly encouraged with the continued success of the youth-focussed Positive Ticket initiative, which builds on the relationship between our youth and RCMP. This program has officers hand out vouchers to youth for movies, food and sports activities for positive behaviour. It fosters mutual trust and respect between our youth and police officers. This project is being increasingly embraced both by our youth, and by the many community sponsors who make it possible.
Emergency preparedness is another cornerstone of our community safety services. Being proactive in preparing for emergencies is essential. Councils strategic planning included developing the Dangerous Goods Spill Response Plan, the Emergency Water Supply Plan, the Emergency Call Centre and Disaster Response Routes to better equip us for potential emergency situations. Planning ahead is critical for our organization as well as for the citizens of Richmond so we can act in the most efficient and effective manner should a major incident occur.
Public health is also an important component of community safety. As part of that commitment, the City undertook a comprehensive Mosquito Control Program in 2003 It was introduced as a proactive measure to reduce potential health impacts associated with the anticipated West Nile Virus. We will also be working in co-ordination with the GVRD to maximize such prevention efforts in 2004.
Long Term Financial Planning
A third priority of Council is long term financial sustainability. To help address this priority, Council has recently adopted an innovative long term financial management strategy that ensures sound financial health for the City over the long term. The strategy will be a guiding force for diligent decision making aimed towards efficient and effective use of City resources, minimizing taxation increases, finding new revenue sources, reducing costs and replenishing reserves while we ensure adequate infrastructure and building replacement.
Earlier this year Richmond was proudly recognized as the first BC Hydro PowerSmart Certified municipality in British Columbia. From 1997 to 2002, we reduced our wattage usage per square foot by 30 per cent. This translates into current and ongoing annual savings in energy costs of $500,000, as well as reduced maintenance and replacement costs. In addition, a new LED Street Tree Lighting initiative is underway in the City Centre which will reduce the City's annual lighting costs even more. We will also receive federal-provincial infrastructure funding to help support introduction of solar heating systems to reduce energy costs at our two aquatic centres.
The ability to obtain project funding from community partners and other funding sources has been key to the City's ability to keep costs down, while maintaining a high level of services. As an example, earlier this year, the City received a BC Hydro grant for $650,000 toward Phase 4 of the BC Hydro Beautification Undergrounding program, which will enhance the City Centre and assist in attracting new business in the City core.
Our initiatives in 2004 will include the introduction of a new voluntary water metering initiative. This will give our customers opportunities to save money by paying only for the water consumed and to participate in the conservation of our regional water supply.
Economic Development
Economic Development, another one of councils top five priorities, is also key to the City's financial sustainability and well-being. During 2003, the City launched a number of significant measures aimed at promoting economic development while retaining desirable business and industry. The City appointed the Richmond Economic Task Force, a group of prominent leaders from all segments of the business community tasked with providing recommendations as to strategies on how the City could enhance its economic development efforts. The task forces final report will help guide us as we move forward in this area.
Few initiatives could have more impact on our community than the development of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans lands along Garden City Road, immediately east of the City Centre. An announcement on the transfer of this property was recently made which will result in this land being made available for the benefit of the City of Richmond and the Musqueam Nation. The development of these lands will be a catalyst for economic growth, improved civic amenities and community livability. The City looks forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure that this valuable property is developed with prudence and vision for the benefit of the entire community thus becoming a legacy for generations to come. The Trade and Exhibition Centre to be developed on a portion of this site by Tourism Richmond remains important for our economic development, especially as the International Broadcast Centre for the 2010 Olympic Games.
And how could anyone forget the excitement when the 2010 Olympic Bid was awarded to Vancouver earlier this year. This will be remembered forever as a great milestone for our community, province and country. Richmond's support to the Bid was an outstanding demonstration of our communitys commitment to the Games and played an important role in helping to secure the Olympics for our region. Richmond will be well prepared for the arrival of the Winter Games in 2010 and will fully capitalize on the tremendous economic development opportunities offered by the Olympics, such as those in the tourism sector.
Our new Waterfront Development Strategy offers many exciting prospects. As an island community, Richmond has a unique resource in that it is almost entirely bounded by water. Our waterfront strategy will allow us to better capitalize on this rich community asset, transforming our waterfront into a vibrant destination. It focuses on public use and enjoyment, community economic growth, environmental sensitivity and celebration of our heritage. We look forward to the years ahead working with the many stakeholders and community groups to transform our waterfront into an exciting place for businesses, residents and visitors.
In 2003 we launched the award-winning Richmond Marketing Awareness Strategy, branding our city as Better in Every Way. Through a variety of marketing and publicity initiatives, this campaign helped raise our profile as the best city in which to live, work and do business.
Richmond's strong economy encompasses continued retention of businesses while we attract new enterprise. The ongoing development of the Fraser Port area will be an exciting new economic generator for our City. It will bring millions of dollars in development and hundreds of new jobs to Richmond. The continued renewal and redevelopment of the Bridgeport area and north end of No. 3 Road, as well as the re-opening of the new and greatly-expanded Aberdeen Centre, will also contribute significantly toward our communitys economic growth and health.
Development applications for commercial, industrial and residential projects in 2003 have exceeded the 2002 level, becoming the highest in a decade. Following these two strong years, we are forecasting even higher levels of activity in 2004. Council is very pleased with the quality and pace of development. There are many exciting projects planned in areas such as the waterfront Imperial Landing site, City Centre, North and South McLennan areas, Steveston and Riverport. Also in 2003, Council approved a long term Agricultural Viability Strategy and appointed the related Advisory Committee. These two initiatives will improve our efforts to have a viable and sustainable agricultural economy.
Customer Service
As we are here to serve you, our citizens, the City's commitment to outstanding management is reflected in Councils decision to include customer service as one of its highest priorities. Over the past year, we have made continual improvements in customer service. Richmond has been able to make these improvements at very little cost by utilizing our technological advances. These make many of our services more accessible and convenient to the public and are often used round-the-clock from a distance. Our progress in these areas has been recognized by our peers in local government who honoured our City with awards for innovative improvements to our Point-of-Sale and Geographic Information Systems. These initiatives provide the public with greater access to City services and data bases.
Our Urban Development department undertook an extensive review of all its operations through the Why Not? initiative. This challenges staff to look at new and different ways of doing business in order to improve service to our customers. This promises to take our customer service to the next level.
Do you remember October 16, 2003 when Richmond experienced the third highest one-day rainfall in its history? City staff worked around the clock to keep our drainage system infrastructure in peak operating condition while responding to multiple service requests. These proactive service efforts contributed to the minimal damage to public and private property within the City, in contrast with the experience of some neighbouring municipalities.
Other Notable Initiatives
In addition to these top five priority areas, the City has worked tirelessly on many other fronts to further enhance community livability and realize our overall civic vision for Richmond.
Earlier this year, the City created a master planning process which will provide a comprehensive plan to set the 10-year direction for Richmond's parks, recreation, culture and library programs and services. This also includes the creation by City Council of a new Community Working Group on the Master Plan and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services delivery system. The group has made significant progress toward developing a new and more inclusive service delivery model that will truly reflect the needs of the entire community.
2003 marked the completion of an ambitious Trails Strategy which provides a roadmap for the future development of our highly popular trails system. This plan ensures that our trails network will continue to showcase the beauty of our unique Island city while providing an unparalleled recreational opportunity for residents and visitors.
Richmond also entered into an exciting partnership with the University of BC. This educational institution plans to build a new $4 million Boathouse along the shores of Richmond's Middle Arm. When completed, this new boathouse will be home to UBCs much-decorated Thunderbird rowing program, one of the most successful competitive rowing programs in the world. We will also feature a wide array of community and recreation rowing and other sports programs through this facility.
After extensive planning, our Public Library will open its new branch in East Richmond early in 2004. This fourth branch of the award-winning library will address an increasing need in one of our fastest-growing and most diverse neighbourhoods.
Elsewhere in our community, the city partnered with the Steveston Community Association to make significant improvements to the playground in Steveston Park. We are moving ahead with plans for the development of the route and infrastructure for the restored Interurban tram. This will provide a much-needed link for the heritage sites in the area. The City also initiated discussions on the future of Shady Island.
Diversity is a cherished hallmark of life in Richmond. Our amazing diversity has served our community well, by enriching our social, cultural and economic lives. It also challenges us to continue to foster cultural harmony while meeting the needs of the many newcomers to our City. The Richmond Intercultural Advisory Committee has been working hard, along with City staff, to address these issues and opportunities. In 2004, we look forward to receiving the committees strategic plan which will help us to ensure that all our citizens will fully enjoy the benefits of our community.
Richmond has promoted inclusivity by ensuring that appropriate housing options are provided to all persons regardless of income or special need. The City continues to actively pursue development of new affordable housing projects to meet a wide variety of needs within our community. For example, this year the City purchased a significant land parcel within the City Centre for a proposed new development that promises to include affordable rental housing, an emergency shelter, youth transition house and offices for social service agencies.
Council has also endorsed new standards for accessible, affordable and supportive housing for seniors to ensure that future housing development meets the needs of our aging population.
Closing Remarks
Upon this review of key opportunities and issues facing our community, our progress reflects our confidence in achieving our goals while celebrating our successes. On behalf of Council, I would like to acknowledge and thank our creative and hard-working staff led by returning Chief Administrative Officer George Duncan, for their continued efforts in providing service excellence to the public.
I would also like to thank our partners in government, the Richmond MLAs Linda Reid, Geoff Plant and Greg Halsey-Brandt as well as MPs Joe Peschisolido and John Cummins for working with us on important provincial and federal issues. This ongoing cooperation with all levels of government remains critical as we work to improve our community. Many thanks also to our thousands of volunteers, from numerous advisory committee members to those who help provide frontline and emergency services in every corner of our City. The efforts of our volunteers are absolutely essential in helping our City maintain our high quality of life.
2004 promises to be another exciting and challenging year of milestones for our City. Richmond will celebrate the 125th anniversary of our incorporation as a municipality. Our Engineering and Public Works Department, providing so many essential services too easily taken for granted like roads, water and sewer will celebrate its 50th anniversary. The Gateway Theatre, which has brought so much richness to our City's cultural life, will mark its 20th anniversary. Celebrating their 10th anniversaries will be the Richmond Cultural Centre and Richmond Caring Place, the focal points of our arts and cultural programs as well as our extensive volunteer networks.
In closing, Richmond will continue its efforts to be the most appealing, livable and well-managed community in Canada because we are supported by the strengths of our City staff, our strategic initiatives and most of all, our citizens. We have a tremendous sense of community and this moves us toward achieving our goals in the coming years.
