Richmond has experienced "great triumphs" tempered by "difficult challenges" over the last decade, according to Mayor Malcolm Brodie.
In his annual address to the city and after the new council was sworn in for its three-year term, the mayor said Monday night that "working together as a team" will help Richmond overcome any future hurdles.
Brodie envisages the coming term to be an "exciting and busy time," adding that the "pillars of community sustainability" (environmental, economic and social) are in place to "ensure that future generations realize the same opportunities that we have come to enjoy." The mayor promised to:
- Expand our offering of parks, green spaces and recreational facilities, particularly for the benefit of the city centre where we expect most of the growth;
- Keep our city safe, our spending cost-effective, and our residents healthy;
Respect our heritage; while we
- Support arts, cultural and volunteer opportunities for all.
Noting that he was now kicking off his fifth term as mayor or Richmond, Brodie wanted to repeat his words when first being sworn in as mayor in October 2001, in which he highlighted how fortunate Richmond is to have a city council made up of people with "such abundant talents, diverse backgrounds and, above all, a true commitment to community service."
Brodie also commended retiring councillors, Greg Halsey-Brandt and Sue Halsey-Brandt, for their many years of service to the city.
Recognizing their replacements on council - former school trustee Chak Au and former school board chair Linda McPhail - Brodie said the new additions will bring fresh perspectives to council and will "complement" the incumbents.
Noting the death of philanthropist Milan Ilich, the mayor described how Ilich made a "dramatic impact as a business leader, though he will be most remembered for being supportive of those in need."
New city council committees
Mayor Brodie also announced Monday night city council's new standing committees for the coming year.
However, it's pretty much as you were, with incumbents filling the same roles they did before last month's civic election.
Derek Dang remains chair of community safety, with newcomer Linda McPhail as his back up; as mayor, Brodie will take charge of both the finance and general purposes committee; Harold Steves continues as chair of parks, recreation and cultural services; Bill McNulty will again chair the planning committee and Linda Barnes will assume her role as chair of public works and transportation.
