This week on city hall’s calendar are a planning meeting, public works and transportation meeting and a public hearing. Here are some agenda highlights to keep your eye on.
Affordable housing
Last week, the city launched its public consultation process for its affordable housing strategy. At Monday evening’s public hearing, the city will propose updating the affordable housing contribution rates and requirements for residential zones.
In other words, some developments don’t require affordable housing units. Instead, a cash contribution is made to the city’s affordable housing reserve fund. Therefore, the city is proposing that the required cash contribution be raised. This matter will be open to public discussion at the hearing.
Childcare development
At Tuesday’s planning meeting, city staff are recommending that the child care development advisory committee’s 2017 annual report and 2018 work program be approved. Put simply, the CCDAC has committed to updating city council on its accomplishments and advising council on how Richmond can improve its childcare.
In 2018, the CCDAC plans to focus on providing advice on the development of new child care centres and early childhood development hubs, reviewing childcare grant allocations, proposing activities for child care month in May and make recommendations regarding advocacy on the implementation of a provincial childcare plan.
Road safety
According to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, approximately 15 vehicle collisions take place at the S-curve section of Highway 91 every year. Less than two per cent of these collisions are related to road and weather conditions, and 40 per cent of these collisions result in personal injury.
At Wednesday afternoon’s public works and transportation committee meeting, Richmond city staff are expected to request that a letter be sent to the ministry requesting road safety measures to improve safety in this area. Some suggested solutions include increased signage and RCMP enforcement of distracted driving laws.
