Richmond city council will discuss whether or not to endorse an international climate change treaty at this week’s committee meeting.
Staff is recommending city council endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, which aims to end new exploration and production of coal, oil and gas, phase out existing production of fossil fuels and create a transition solution for workers and communities that depend on this industry.
A group of young people in April asked city council to endorse the treaty, but they decided to ask city staff to bring back more information first. The young people plan to be at the committee meeting again to encourage signing on to the treaty.
Finance committee (Monday, May 2)
Richmond’s finance committee will consider applying for a $96 million loan to build a new Steveston Community Centre and library. The loan request is to the Municipal Finance Authority of British Columbia.
Planning committee (Tuesday, May 3)
Two councillors have motions on the agenda for Tuesday’s planning committee to look at housing issues.
Coun. Andy Hobbs has a motion on the planning committee agenda to look into opportunities for a “rent-to-own” development concept in Richmond.
According to Hobbs’ rationale, a “rent- to-own” concept could be an option to address the housing affordability crisis among people with moderate incomes and families who are entering the housing market.
Meanwhile, Coun. Bill McNulty is looking to discuss incentives that could encourage developers to build more affordable rental housing in Richmond.
Furthermore, the planning committee will, for the third time, discuss the Bene office development on No. 3 and Leslie roads. The proposed office tower was supposed to have six floors of large offices – taking up an entire level – in exchange for being
allowed to build an extra floor. However, the developer has now asked to build smaller units on four floors, but still keep the extra density.
