The second city council meeting of 2018 is scheduled for Monday evening. Here are some key agenda items to keep your eye on.
Speed humps along River Road
Several Richmond residents are scheduled to speak on the controversial installation of speed humps along River Road on Monday night.
“Although I support road safety initiatives in general, I have serious concerns about the impact of this project on emergency response times for local residents,” said Joanne Fisher in a letter to council. “As residents in this part of the city are amongst the furthest in proximity to Richmond General Hospital, the idea of installing a specific road feature designed to slow the speed of traffic carries with it potential consequences in the event of medical, fire, and police emergencies.”
In an effort to address major safety issues on a stretch of River Road — also known as “Misery Mile” between No. 7 Road and Westminster Highway — the city plans to lay down 20 speed humps.
“River Road is the only access that we have to our properties,” Lynda Parsons wrote to council. “It is the only access that emergency vehicles have to our properties. As each speed hump can impede emergency response by up to 10 seconds per speed hump, the residents of this River Road community will be put in harm’s way with the installation of speed humps.”
The cost of installing the 20 speed humps is $100,000, which will come from the city’s traffic calming program.
Richmond Fire-Rescue outreach
The acting fire chief, Tim Wilkinson, will present a staff report titled "Fire-Rescue Community Outreach and Public Education Plan: 2018-2023” for council’s approval. In an earlier meeting, Wilkinson noted that the public generally wants to be educated on protocol for calling 911, and to understand what is required of them in emergency responses. He commented that Richmond Fire-Rescue will work with various stakeholders, including the Richmond RCMP, to help people understand their role in an emergency. If approved, the community outreach and public education plan will be shared with key stakeholders and posted on the City of Richmond website.
BikeBC and Alderbridge Way
The provincial government has a 50-50 cost share program between itself and local governments to support construction of bike lanes and pathways. At Monday night’s meeting, council is expected to propose an application for funding to extend the Alderbridge Way multi-use pathway. According to a report submitted by the director of transportation, this project would extend the multi-use pathway on the north side to the east from No.4 Road to Shell Road, where no pedestrian or cycling facilities currently exist.
Richmond's city council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 29 in council chambers at 6911 No. 3 Rd. The public is welcome to attend or watch an online broadcast of the meeting.
