Changes to City Services & Facilities

Animal Control Services
Animal Control Services will continue between the hours of 7:00am and 9:00pm, 7 days a week. These services include:

• Responding to calls threatening public safety
• Stray dog pickup
• Dog bite investigations

Please contact our office via email at bylawrequest@richmond.ca or call 604-276-4345 to report an animal control violation.

Dog Licencing
Dog Licencing services are uninterrupted and are available through the City website or by calling Community Bylaws at 604-276-4345 between the hours of 8:15am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.

BC SPCA
Contact the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) at 604-709-4668 for the following:

• emergency surrenders and strays
• to report dogs off-leash or dogs running at large
• to report injured or dead animals
• general questions related to animal regulations

• Minoru Arenas - closed
• Richmond Ice Centre - open

• Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site - partially open - Visit Britannia Shipyards for more information
• Gateway Theatre - closed
• London Heritage Farm - closed
• Minoru Chapel - closed
• Richmond Cultural Centre - closed
  • Richmond Archives - open - Visit Archives for more information
  • Richmond Arts Centre - closed
  • Richmond Art Gallery - open - Visit Richmond Art Gallery for more information
  • Richmond Media Lab - closed
  • Richmond Museum - open - Visit Richmond Museum for more information
• Steveston Interurban Tram - closed
• Steveston Museum - closed

City Hall is accepting:

• Deliveries from both couriers and non-couriers such as builders, designers, architects, and contractors.

Building, Gas, Plumbing & Demolition Permit Applications

• Learn how to apply for permits electronically.
• Completed Building, Demolition, Gas and Plumbing application forms and supporting materials can be dropped off or sent to Richmond City Hall, Attn: Permits, via courier, Canada Post or emailed to building@richmond.ca.
• Payment by cheque can be dropped off or sent to Richmond City Hall, Attn: Permits via courier or Canada Post.
• Inquiries on applications that are currently in review should be forwarded to the Plan Reviewer in charge via email or telephone. Please include your address or permit number in all correspondence.
• Email building@richmond.ca or call 604-276-4118 for general building approval inquiries.

Tree Permit Applications

• Completed Tree Removal application forms and supporting materials can be dropped off, sent to Richmond City Hall, Attn: Permits via courier, Canada Post or emailed to permitsinfo@richmond.ca.
• Supporting material(s) must clearly indicate the location(s) of the tree(s) or include photos.
• There will be a permit application fee of $62 for the first tree in a 12 month period, and an additional $75 per tree afterwards.
• Payment by cheque can be mailed to Richmond City Hall, Attn: Permits via courier or Canada Post.
• If you would like to pay by credit card over the phone, indicate in your permit application that you would like to do so. A 2% surcharge for credit card payments will be applied to the invoice.
• Email treeprotection@richmond.ca or call 604-247-4684 for general tree removal or protection inquiries.

Building, Gas, Plumbing & Tree Inspections

• Requests for inspections continue to be received, however some may have unavoidable service delay or interruption.
• All inspections have resumed with new ways of providing services, subject to site safety.
• Permit holders and/or owners must refer to  On-Site Inspections during COVID-19 for safety requirements for Occupied Buildings.
• For all other construction, alternative arrangements to inspection compliance may be made upon contacting the inspector:
  • to arrange for recognition of work through site observation reports from the registered professional.
  • to arrange for site conditions that will allow physical inspection respecting all VCH and WorkSafe regulations and guidelines.
• Please refer to your permit document for the Inspector's name, phone number and email address.
• Email building@richmond.ca or call 604-276-4118 for general building approval inquiries.

Business Licence Applications will be processed, however, those that require inspections may be delayed. For specific questions about applications, contact buslic@richmond.ca  or phone 604-276-4328.

• For any concerns about businesses not complying with Provincial Public Health Orders, the public is encouraged to send the details to bylawrequest@richmond.ca
• All other Business Licence and Bylaw services remain as usual (unless noted otherwise).

Bylaw Enforcement Officers are supporting enforcement of the provincial health officer’s orders for business restrictions and gatherings by:

• Patrolling parks and public spaces to educate the public on the importance of physical distancing. When requested to cease a sporting activity that is currently prohibited or restricted as per the Restoring Richmond Plan, a Bylaw Enforcement Officer may issue a ticket (under the Public Parks and School Grounds Regulation Bylaw Number 8771 Section 2.1.1. (e) ) to individuals who interfere or obstruct an Officer in the performance of their duties who has instructed the activity to cease.
• Inspecting and monitoring businesses. Businesses are required to follow all City, Provincial and Federal laws; if businesses are not in compliance, licenses may be suspended and the business may be subject to fines related to their license.

The City worked with community centre associations to restore licensed school year child care, including preschool and out of school care. Visit Preschools and Out of School Care for complete details.

Most active City road and utility capital projects are continuing, with contractors following the guidance of the Provincial Health Officer.

City Hall cashiers are open for utility bill and property tax payments.

Hours: 8:15am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday

The City continues to offer services online and can be reached by telephone at 604-276-4000 and email at infocentre@richmond.ca, or by contacting a department directly.

No cash transactions will be accepted at City Hall until after March 31, 2022.
Please note: Do not deposit cash in the City’s drop box, cash will not be processed.

Meetings, Public Hearings and Development Permit Panel

• Council Meetings, Planning Committee Meetings, and Public Hearings are proceeding as scheduled (see Council & Committee Meetings below).  Members of the public who are interested in submitting comments and feedback on land use applications are encouraged to submit any comments and feedback via email to devapps@richmond.ca or letter mailed to City Hall.
• Development Permit Panel - Members of the public who are interested in submitting comments and feedback on Development Permit applications are encouraged to submit any comments and feedback via email to devapps@richmond.ca. Any applicants with questions on their applications should contact their Planner or call 604-276-4138 or 604-204-8653. Additional details on upcoming Development Permit Panel meetings will be released as this information becomes available. Information on upcoming Development Permit Panel meetings can be found on the Development Permit Panel page.

Development Applications

• Previously submitted Development Applications continue to be processed. Staff are available by email and phone. 
• New applications can be submitted by Courier to City Hall. 
• Any applicants with questions on their applications should contact the Planner or call 604-276-4138 or 604-204-8653

• Community members are encouraged to stream Regular Council Meetings online.
• Delegations wishing to be heard on an item that is on the Regular Council Meeting agenda can submit comments by 6 p.m. on the Monday of the meeting by emailing cityclerk@richmond.ca or dropping off comments in the Drop Box outside City Hall.
• Learn more about the adjusted meeting schedule for Council and Standing Committee Meetings.

Operated by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), the drive through centre provides COVID-19 testing for people with symptoms. Located at 5911 North Service Road in the Jet Set parking lot (at the intersection of Aviation Avenue and North Service Road) near YVR Airport, the centre provides COVID-19 screening for Richmond and South Vancouver residents. The site is open daily from 8:00am to 7:00pm for people ages four and up. For more information visit the VCH website.

The City of Richmond has launched a virtual COVID-19 Business Support Centre in order to provide a centralized source of accurate and timely information for local businesses who are being impacted by the current pandemic.

The Support Centre will provide information related to:

• City services and initiatives
• Support programs and resources developed specifically for businesses by all levels of government and other agencies

Businesses can access the COVID-19 Business Support Centre by:

• Phone: 604-276-4114
• Email: businesshelp@richmond.ca
• Webpage: www.businessinrichmond.ca/covid-19

The City of Richmond has launched a virtual COVID-19 Business Support Centre in order to provide a centralized source of accurate and timely information for local businesses who are being impacted by the current pandemic.

The Support Centre will provide information related to:

• City services and initiatives
• Support programs and resources developed specifically for businesses by all levels of government and other agencies

Businesses can access the COVID-19 Business Support Centre by:

• Phone: 604-276-4114
• Email: businesshelp@richmond.ca
• Webpage: www.businessinrichmond.ca/covid-19

Most City events have been adapted to a virtual format during the pandemic.

The approval committee (REACT) will evaluate events, on a case-by-case basis, that can operate following the COVID-19 restrictions put in place by the provincial government, Vancouver Coastal Health, and City of Richmond. If you would like your event concept evaluated, please email your proposal to events@richmond.ca for review.

Productions are resuming in compliance with WorkSafeBC and industry safety procedures and protocols. For information, contact the Richmond Film Office at 604-247-4659 or email filmoffice@richmond.ca, or visit Creative BC for additional information.

Richmond Fire Rescue stations are operational but closed to the public:

• No. 1 Hall (City Centre) – operational, open to public access
• No. 2 Hall (Steveston) – operational, closed to public access
• No. 3 Hall (Cambie) – operational, closed to public access
• No. 4 Hall (Sea Island) – operational, closed to public access
• No. 5 Hall (Hamilton) – operational, closed to public access
• No. 6 Hall (Shellmont) – operational, closed to public access
• No. 7 Hall (Crestwood) – operational, closed to public access

Collections

Regular scheduled Garbage and Recycling Collection is continuing.

Recycling Depot

Recycling Depot is open.

• Hours: 9:00am to 6:15pm, 7 days per week (except stat holidays).
• Face masks are required when visiting the Recycling Depot.
• Credit or debit card payment only. Cash is no longer accepted at this time.
• In order to maintain social distancing, staff are no longer able to assist with unloading recycling materials and placing into roll off bins. In the case of heavy/awkward items, users will be asked to remain in their vehicle and staff will unload.
• A limited number of vehicles will be permitted on-site at a time.
• If you plan on visiting the Richmond Recycling Depot, please follow the steps recommended by local public health authorities:
  • Don't visit the Recycling Depot if you feel unwell
  • Wash your hands before and after your visit
  • Keep physical distance from other guests and Recycling Depot Staff

Please Do Not Litter

City crews are doing their best to get littered items (such as face masks and gloves) cleaned up as quickly as possible, but this is a safety risk for them as well. Please help us keep this community safe – do not litter these potentially bio-hazardous materials.

Safe Waste Disposal

New guidelines for safe waste disposal to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep our collection staff safe:

• Dispose of all the following in the garbage:
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Used tissues
  • Disposable wipes, even those listed as flushable or compostable
  • Cleaning cloths
  • Face masks
  • Gloves
  • All similar items
• Place these items into garbage bags and tie the bag securely (do not throw loose items into garbage bins).
• Do not dispose these items down toilets, sinks or drains.
• Please do not put any of these items in your Recycling Bins or Green Cart.
• If you’re sick or caring for someone who is sick:
  • Double bag all personal waste in plastic garbage bags
  • Securely tie all bags shut and dispose of as regular residential garbage

The City has created a guide of available resources for individuals in Richmond experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic:

•  Resource Guide for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
•  Low or No Cost Community Meals and Food Programs Maps
•  Public Washroom Map & Inventory

Emergency Response Centre
BC Housing and the Province of BC will open Richmond's first Emergency Response Centre on May 19 as part of the ongoing strategy to keep communities healthy and safe during COVID-19. Learn more.

•  Richmond Emergency Response Centre Fact Sheet

The Province of British Columbia has created new regulations and resources to assist renters during the COVID-19 pandemic. For a summary of available resources, visit the COVID-19 Housing Resources page.

Richmond Public Library is now fine free!
Libraries are at the ♥ of their communities. Richmond Public Library is now fine free! Permanently removing fines supports lifelong learning by ensuring library resources remain accessible to everyone in our community throughout their lifetime, regardless of circumstance.

Visit our fine free page for more information. 

Quick Drop-in Service
Customers can visit any branch Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 6:00pm, and on Saturdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Quick drop-in service includes picking up holds, checking out books and receiving help from library staff. Capacity limits are in effect and the line-up to enter the library will close 10 minutes prior to closing if capacity limits are reached. View our available services to learn more.

Drop-in Computer Use

• Public computer labs are available at all branches for those who have limited or no access to a computer, the internet, and/or printing.
• This service is drop-in, first come, first served.
• Customers may use up to one 45 minute sessions per day.
• Visit our public computers page for dates, times and capacity.

Book Returns at all Branches
External book returns

• All external book returns are open from Monday at 9:00am to Saturday at 4:00pm.

Internal book returns

• The internal book returns are now available at the Brighouse and Ironwood branches. Internal book returns at the Steveston and Cambie branches continue to be unavailable until we can safely restore this service.
• We want to assure you that no late fines will be charged regardless of due date.

General Information

• We are here to answer your questions Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 6:00pm and Saturdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
• Please call 604-231-6404 for library card and account questions.
• Please call 604-231-6413 or email us for Information Services or for 1-on-1 help with library resources from a librarian.
• Don’t have a library card? Apply online to access eServices from home and library staff will email you your card number and pin.

Online Resources

• Keep reading and learning and stay informed and entertained through our online resources.
• Delivery to Home Services customers continues.
• Find online resources that Richmond residents and Richmond Public Library (RPL) cardholders can access from home. 
• Inspire your curiosity with RPL’s online programs! Enjoy storytimes, practice your English, learn a new skill from home or try one of our new fall programs. Check out our full list of online programs.

Seniors Centre at Minoru Centre for Active Living is offering Meals to Go for all ages during current closure. Frozen and fresh options including entrees, soup and limited baked good are available for take-out Monday to Friday from 10:00am-2:00pm (closed on statutory holidays). See Minoru Senior Society Cafeteria for more details.

Parking Enforcement

Community Bylaws is responsible for the enforcement of all parking regulations within the City of Richmond.

Parking Violations Notices

Parking violation operations, including issuing tickets, payment processing, and requesting to adjudicate/dispute your bylaw violation notice will continue.

• If you wish to dispute your parking ticket, please complete the online Adjudication Request Form or call Community Bylaws at 604-276-4345. Screening staff are available to answer your ticket questions 8:15am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.
• Due to City Hall Closure, all Parking violation payments must be made either online or via Canada Post and must be paid by the deadline noted on the ticket.

Parking Permits

Purchase of monthly parking permits has resumed. To renew or purchase a monthly parking permit, please complete the online Monthly Parking Permit Application.

To purchase an annual permit at McDonald Beach, please complete the online McDonald Beach Annual Permit Application.

Metered Parking

As a result of the evolving health crisis, pay stations for metered parking will no longer be accepting coins in an effort to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Payments can be made via credit card or mobile app.

• The following outdoor amenities are open:
  • Ball diamonds - open - max. 10 people (youth sports with permit exempt), no games or scrimmages.
  • Basketball courts - open - four players per hoop, no organized games.
  • Bike parks - open
  • Indoor tennis courts - open - singles play.
  • Lacrosse boxes - open - youth sports with permit, 22+ years individual use only.
  • Outdoor tennis courts - open - doubles play permitted if maintaining 3 metre distance. Wait outside fence for next available court.
  • Pickleball courts - open - singles play - wait outside fence for next available court.
  • Playgrounds on City and School District property - open
  • Skate parks - open
  • Sports fields - open max. 10 people (youth sports with permit exempt), no games or scrimmages.
  • Volleyball courts - open - four per side and/or same household participants.
  • West Richmond outdoor fitness area - open
  • West Richmond Pitch & Putt Golf Course - closed for the season.
• Designated BBQ areas – open - 6 people max per group with physical distancing measures strictly required:
  • Garry Point Park (12011 7th Avenue) -  Map
  • King George Community Park (4100 No. 5 Road) -  Map
  • South Arm Community Park (8680 Williams Road) -  Map
  • McDonald Beach Park (3500 McDonald Road) -  Map
• Dog parks – open with physical distancing measures strictly required
• Garry Point Park - open with physical distancing measures strictly required
• Minoru Track – open with physical distancing measures strictly required
• Parks and trails - open with physical distancing measures strictly required
• Public covered outdoor space - open - visit Public Covered Outdoor Space for more information.
• Public washrooms - the majority are open, with select locations closed.
  View  Public Washroom Map & Inventory to learn more.
• Richmond Nature House - open, with restrictions.

In our effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, we have automated 20 high volume pedestrian crosswalk locations in Richmond.

• On a 24 hour cycle the crossing signal will activate every few minutes, based on traffic.
• The automated crossings are clearly marked with temporary signage above the buttons.
• The button will still work, and if you choose to press one, please do so hygienically for your safety.

Automated Pedestrian Crosswalk Locations

1. No. 3 Rd and Granville Ave
2. No. 3 Rd and Park Rd
3. No. 3 Rd and Cook Rd
4. No. 3 Rd and Brighouse Bus Mall
5. No. 3 Rd and Saba Rd
6. No. 3 Rd and Westminster Hwy
7. No. 3 Rd and Ackroyd Rd
8. No. 3 Rd and Lansdowne Rd
9. No. 3 Rd and Lansdowne Mall Rd (North/South only)
10. No. 3 Rd and Alderbridge Way
11. No. 3 Rd and Leslie Rd
12. No. 3 Rd and Cambie Rd
13. No. 3 Rd and Yaohan Mall (North/South only)
14. Hazelbridge Way and Cambie Rd
15. Buswell Rd and Saba Rd
16. Minoru Blvd and Westminster Hwy
17. Minoru Blvd and Granville Ave
18. Gilbert Rd and Westminster Hwy
19. Gilbert Rd and Granville Ave
20. No. 1 Rd and Moncton St
21. Railway Ave and Blundell Rd
22. Railway Ave and Francis Rd
23. Railway Ave and Williams Rd
24. Railway Ave and Steveston Hwy
25. Railway Ave and Garry St (North/South only)

New Permit Applications

• Application forms for the following permits/payments can be sent to Richmond City Hall via courier or regular mail, along with payment by cheque:
• Watercourse Crossing, Donation bins, and other Engineering Permits
• Damage Deposits
• The City is not accepting cash payments until after March 31, 2022. Staff are available by phone as listed on the City website to answer questions.

Business Licence Applications

• Business Licence Applications will be processed, however, those that require inspections may be delayed. For specific questions about applications, contact buslic@richmond.ca or phone 604-276-4328.
• For any concerns about businesses not complying with Provincial Public Health Orders, the public is encouraged to send the details to bylawrequest@richmond.ca
• All other Business Licence and Bylaw services remain as usual (unless noted otherwise).

In keeping with updated Provincial public health orders, registration is open for a variety of popular programs including recreation programs, swimming at Minoru Centre for Active Living and Watermania, virtual and in-studio arts programs and more.

Visit the Program Registration page to register and learn more.

Property Taxes are due once a year in Richmond on the first business day of July.

• Due date: Friday, July 2, 2021

Please note:

• Claim your Home Owner Grant, if eligible, by the due date.
• If you'd like to defer your taxes and are eligible to do so, visit the BC Property Tax Deferment Program.
• No cash transactions will be accepted at City Hall until after March 31, 2022.
• Anyone who has not paid their property taxes or successfully applied to the BC Property Tax Deferment Program by July 2 will be subject to a 5% penalty after that date. A second 5% penalty will be applied to any outstanding taxes, and unclaimed home owner grants, after September 2.

For more information about the City of Richmond property tax payment process and options, visit the Property Taxes section.

In-person public open houses are cancelled.  Consultation and communications are being shifted online to platforms including LetsTalkRichmond and virtual open houses.

• The majority of the City’s public park washrooms remain open.
• To view the locations and times of available washrooms and showers, download 
   Public Washroom Map & Inventory.
• Washrooms will continue to be regularly maintained and cleaned.

• Policing services are deployed from the Richmond RCMP Detachment at 11411 No. 5 Road. Access to the public is limited.
• For non-emergencies, call 604-278-1212.
• Community Police Offices in City Centre, South Arm and Steveston are closed.

Please note: The Richmond RCMP will no longer be taking fingerprints for criminal record checks due to recent COVID-19 restrictions. This service is suspended until further notice. All other front-counter services remain uninterrupted and will continue. Please check this site regularly for any further updates.

Swimming Pools

• Minoru Centre for Active Living - Aquatic Centre - open - pre-registered programs and visits
• Watermania - open - pre-registered programs and visits
• South Arm Outdoor Pool - closed (opens on July 5)
• Steveston Outdoor Pool - open

Arenas

• Minoru Arenas - closed
• Richmond Ice Centre - open

Community Centres

• Cambie Community Centre - open - pre-registered programs and visits
• City Centre Community Centre - open - pre-registered programs and visits
• Hamilton Community Centre - open - pre-registered programs and visits
• Lang Centre - open - licensed preschool
• Minoru Centre for Active Living - Fitness Centre - open - pre-registered programs and visits
• Minoru Centre for Active Living - Seniors Centre - open for Meals to Go program - available for take-out Monday to Friday from 10:00am-2:00pm. See Minoru Senior Society Cafeteria for details
• Sea Island Community Centre - open - pre-registered programs and visits
• South Arm Community Centre - open - pre-register programs and visits
• Steveston Community Centre - open - pre-registered programs and visits
• Thompson Community Centre - open - pre-registered programs and visits
• West Richmond Community Centre - open - pre-registered programs and visits

• Facility - open
• Visit Richmond Olympic Oval for more information.

During COVID-19, the City encourages residents to make time to stay physically and mentally well: eat healthy, be as active as possible and stay connected to others. Visit the Supporting Richmond Seniors page for more details.

Indoor Swimming Pools

• Minoru Centre for Active Living - Aquatic Centre - open - pre-registered programs and visits
• Watermania - open - pre-registered programs and visits

Outdoor Swimming Pools

• South Arm Outdoor Pool - closed (opens on July 5)
• Steveston Outdoor Pool - open

Spray Parks & Waterplay Areas

• Burkeville Spray Park - open
• King George Spray Park - open
• Steveston Spray Park - open
• Dixon Wading Pool - closed
• Lang Water Play - closed 

The Quarter 1 Metered Utility bills will be mailed out in early May.

• Due date: Thursday, June 10, 2021.
• All payments made on or before the deadline will still be eligible for the 10% early payment discount.

Payments should be made using one of the following options:

• Online or telephone banking through a financial institution.
• Online through the City’s website using a credit card (service fees apply).
• Mailing a cheque to City of Richmond Tax Department (6911 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC V6Y 2C1).
• Dropping a cheque in the 24 Hour Drop Box at Richmond City Hall, west entrance.
• In person - City Hall cashiers are open for utility bill payments.
• Please note, no cash transactions will be accepted at City Hall until after March 31, 2022.

The 2021 Flat Rate Utility bill due date was due Wednesday, March 31, 2021.

For more information about the City of Richmond utility bill payment process and options:

• Call: 604-276-4145
• Email: taxdept@richmond.ca
• Visit the Paying Your Utility Bill page

The Richmond Recycling Depot (5555 Lynas Lane) remains open with measures in place for the safety of staff and users.

Works Yard administration buildings are closed to the public:

• Community Services - closed
• Public Works - closed
• Environmental Programs - closed

The City continues to offer services and can be reached by phone and email by contacting a department directly.

• Public Works Service Centre: 604-244-1262
• 24 Hour Emergency Calls: 604-270-8721
• Garbage & Recycling Information: 604-276-4010