Affected 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.

Richmond Animal Shelter
The Richmond Animal Shelter is now closed to the public. Please call 604-275-2036 for emergency surrenders and strays. For general inquires regarding the Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS), visit their website.

All arenas are closed:

• Minoru Arenas - closed
• Richmond Ice Centre - closed

All arts, culture and heritage facilities and sites are closed including:

• Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site - closed with the exception of the main building. Please visit the Britannia Shipyards website for more information. 
• Gateway Theatre - closed
• London Heritage Farm - closed
• Minoru Chapel - closed
• Richmond Cultural Centre - closed
  • Richmond Arts Centre - closed
  • Richmond Art Gallery - open - Visit RAG website for more information
  • Richmond Media Lab - closed
  • Richmond Museum - closed
• Steveston Interurban Tram - closed
• Steveston Museum - closed

Building, Gas, Plumbing, Tree & Demolition Permit Applications

• Completed application forms and supporting materials along with payment by cheque can be sent to Richmond City Hall via courier only. Please contact Plans Processing staff at 604-276-4285 to arrange for drop off and receipt of materials.
• Electronic applications and supporting materials can also be submitted. Completed forms, materials and a covering message should be emailed to building@richmond.ca.
• Email building@richmond.ca or call 604-276-4118 for general inquiries.
• Inquiries on applications that are already in-process should be forwarded to the Plan Reviewer in charge via email or telephone. Please include your address or permit number in all correspondence.

Building, Gas, Plumbing & Tree Inspections

• Requests for inspections continue to be received, however some may have unavoidable service delay or interruption.
• All physical site inspections within existing, occupied residential dwellings are suspended until further notice.
• 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.
• Contact 604-276-4111 for general inquiries on inspection procedures.

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, together with Community Ambassadors, are supporting enforcement of the provincial health officer’s orders for business closures 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.

• Spring break programs and child care programs in community centres have been discontinued and all community centres are closed (see Recreation & Community Centres below).
• Additional child care services are operated by various organizations in Richmond, including non-profit organizations, private businesses and individuals. These services are regulated under Provincial legislation and are required to follow the COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for Child Care Settings dated May 15, 2020. Based on current public health advice, children may now return to child care.
• All families, including those who work in essential services, who require child care and have an existing child care space, should contact their child care provider.
• All families, including those who work in essential services, who require temporary child care during the pandemic should refer to the information on the Richmond Child Care Resource and Referral website.
• Child care providers continue to prioritize child care for families who work in essential services at this time.

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

• City Hall is open to the public for property tax and utility payments only. Cheques, debit or credit cards will be accepted. Cash will NOT be accepted.
  Hours: 8:15am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday 
• The City continues to offer services 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 September 30, 2020. 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.

Operated by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), the drive through centre provides COVID-19 testing for people with symptoms. Located in the Minoru Park Tennis Club parking lot on Gilbert Avenue, north of Granville, it is open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm and on statutory holidays from 9:00am to noon. For more information on testing and pre-travel assessments, 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

All events on City property are cancelled through to August 31, 2020. 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.

The exception to this is the Kwantlen St. Farmers Market - Richmond, which will be operating a "food only" market as an essential service, as deemed by the BC Centre for Disease Control during the COVID-19 pandemic. The market is currently operating at Brighouse Park to better accommodate the required physical distancing safety plan.

• Tuesdays, May 12 – October 6, 2020
• 12:00-4:00pm

• All productions are temporarily on hold until further notice.
• Upcoming studio development projects are still underway.
• The set pieces at Garry Point Park continue to remain up during this time and will be assessed on a weekly basis.

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

• No. 1 Hall (City Centre) –operational, closed 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

Physical onsite inspections are suspended at this time.

Collections

Regular scheduled Garbage and Recycling Collection is continuing.

Recycling Depot

Recycling Depot is open.

• Hours: 9:00am to 6:15pm, Tuesday to Sunday
• Effective April 16, 2020, the Recycling Depot has resumed collection of white foam (Styrofoam) for drop-off.
• 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.

Brighouse Branch Quick Drop-in Service

• Customers may now visit the Brighouse branch Monday to Friday, between 10:00am and 4:00pm to pick up holds, check out books and receive help from library staff.
• Capacity limits are in effect.
• View available services.

Drop-in Computer Use

• Public computer labs are available at the Brighouse and Ironwood branches for those who have limited or no access to a computer, the internet, and/or printing.
• Customers must register in-person.
• No extensions or advance registrations.
• Visit our public computers page for dates, times and capacity.

Cambie, Ironwood and Steveston Branch Curbside Holds Pickup

• No appointment necessary! Just bring your library card.
• We appreciate your patience as we work to safely serve a high volume of customers.
• This service is available Monday to Friday, from 10:00am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 4:00pm.

External Book Returns at all Branches

• All external book returns will be open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm each day.
• No internal access to book returns at any branches.
• We want to assure you that no late fines will be charged regardless of due date.

General Information
We are still here to answer your questions Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:30pm.

• For Information Services, please call 604-231-6413 or email us.
• For direct help from a librarian about ebook, audiobook and eResources, please call 778-837-6896.
• For library card and account questions, please call 604-231-6404.
• Don’t have a library card? Apply online to access eServices from home and library staff will email you your card number and pin.
• No late fines will be charged and all due dates will continue to be extended.

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 new online programs! Enjoy storytimes, practice your English or learn a new skill from home. Check out our full list of online programs.
• Enjoy summer reading challenges, activities, contests and programs for all ages. Learn more.

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 resumed enforcement of all parking regulations within the City of Richmond on May 11, 2020.

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 for recreational and passive use, no organized games
  • Basketball courts - open - four players per hoop, no organized games
  • Bike parks - open
  • Indoor tennis courts - open - doubles play
  • Lacrosse boxes - open - limited to eight people total (four per side), no organized games
  • Outdoor tennis courts - open - doubles play
  • Pickleball courts - open - wait outside fence for next available court
  • Playgrounds on City and School District property - open
  • Skate parks - open
  • Sports fields - open for recreational and passive use, no organized games. Note: Access to field bookings will be restored for sport and skill development beginning Monday, June 29.
  • Volleyball courts - open - four per side and/or same household participants
  • West Richmond outdoor fitness area - open
  • West Richmond Pitch & Putt Golf Course - open - four per group
• 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 implementation of  One-way Walking Route
• Minoru Track – open with physical distancing measures strictly required
• Parks and trails - open with physical distancing measures strictly required
• Public washrooms - the majority are open, with select locations closed.
  View  Public Washroom Map & Inventory to learn more.
• Richmond Nature House - closed

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 September 30. 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).

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

• Due date: Thursday, July 2, 2020
• Last day to pay without penalty: Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Please note:

• Claim your home owner grant, if eligible, by the due date.
• If you'd like to defer your taxes with the BC Property Tax Deferment Program and are eligible to do so, visit the Provincial website.
• No cash transactions will be accepted at City Hall until after September 30, 2020.
• Anyone who has not paid their property taxes or successfully applied to the BC Property Tax Deferment Program by September 30 will be subject to a 10% penalty after that date.

For more information about the City of Richmond property tax payment process and options:

• Call: 604-276-4145
• Email: taxdept@richmond.ca
• Visit the Property Taxes page

Note: For information about Metered Utility bills, please refer to the to Utility Bills section below.

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.
• An additional portable toilet is open at Lang Centre Park (corner of Saba Road and Buswell Street) 24 hours a day.

• 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.

Swimming pools:

• Minoru Aquatic Centre - closed
• Watermania - closed
• South Arm Outdoor Pool - open. See Outdoor Pools for details.
• Steveston Outdoor Pool - open. See Outdoor Pools for details.

All arenas are closed:

• Minoru Arenas - closed
• Richmond Ice Centre - closed

All community centres are closed:

• Cambie Community Centre - closed
• City Centre Community Centre - closed
• Hamilton Community Centre - closed
• Lang Centre - closed
• Minoru Centre for Active Living* - Fitness Centre re-opening on Aug 17
• Sea Island Community Centre - closed
• South Arm Community Centre - Fitness Centre re-opening on Aug 17
• Steveston Community Centre - closed
• Thompson Community Centre - Fitness Centre re-opening on Aug 17
• West Richmond Community Centre - closed

* 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. See Minoru Senior Society Cafeteria for more details.

• Facility - open
• For more information, visit: Richmond Olympic Oval

During the current COVID-19 outbreak, 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.

Registration is now open for a variety of opportunities including outdoor summer daycamps, outdoor fitness classes, outdoor recreation programs, swimming at Steveston Outdoor Pool and indoor tennis at Steveston Community Centre.

Go to the Program Registration page to register and learn more. 

We expect to announce additional programs, so please regularly check this page or follow us on social media for up-to-date information.

Indoor swimming pools:

• Minoru Aquatic Centre - closed
• Watermania - closed

Outdoor swimming pools:

• South Arm Outdoor Pool - open. See Outdoor Pools for details.
• Steveston Outdoor Pool - open. See Outdoor Pools for details.

Spray parks & wading pools:

• Burkeville Spray Park- open
• King George Spray Park- open
• Steveston Spray Park - open
• Dixon Wading Pool - closed
• Lang Water Play - closed - will be available when community facility reopens

The Quarter 1 Metered Utility bill due date is extended by one month.

• Due date: Thursday, July 30, 2020.
• All payments made on or before the deadline of Thursday, July 30 will still be eligible for the 10% early payment discount.

The 2020 Flat Rate Utility bill due date is extended by three months.

• Due date: Tuesday, June 30, 2020.
• All payments made on or before the extended deadline of Tuesday, June 30 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 at City Hall. Open Monday to Friday, 8:15am to 5:00pm.
• Please note, no cash transactions will be accepted at City Hall until after September 30, 2020.

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 telephone and email by contacting a department directly.