News release from the city explaining its public consultation process for non-English signs:
Richmond, BC – Richmond residents are invited to provide input on the issue of language on signs in the context of community harmony through LetsTalkRichmond.ca beginning this Friday.
The City of Richmond has launched a multi-pronged campaign to explore the issue of language on signs in the context of community harmony. Community members and groups can access information on the program and provide input via the City’s online discussion platform at www.LetsTalkRichmond.ca from March 6-20. Specific comments can also be sent via email to [email protected] or by mail or hand to Richmond City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Road, Richmond BC, V6Y 2C1, Attn. Signs Consult. Additional information is also available on the City’s website at www.richmond.ca/signage.
The City is also hosting a community workshop on the issue of language on signs. The SFU Centre of Dialogue will moderate the community workshop which will be held on Thursday, March 12 from 6:30- 8:30 p.m. at the John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse, 7277 River Road. Workshop participants will hear about Richmond’s efforts to promote and strengthen community harmony, explore the topics of language on signs and community harmony and share their own perspectives on the topic.
The workshop is free, but space is limited. Interested participants must pre-register by Friday, March 6 by email at [email protected].
The City is also consulting with various community business organizations to gather feedback on the issue and to encourage the inclusion of English on signage and publications through education. The City has also commissioned staff from the UBC School of Geography to conduct a scan and analysis of how other communities are dealing with the issue of language on signs and how they promote community harmony. An intensive business outreach and education program is also underway in which City staff are visiting local businesses to educate them on the Sign Bylaw and Richmond’s preference that all business signs include English.
Information gathered through this process will be provided to Richmond Council later this spring. The program responds to a referral from Council last year, which directed staff to study the issue of language on signs, undertake public and stakeholder consultation and develop recommendations for possible future regulatory, education or other measures.
