Richmond City Council and Mayor

The Richmond City Council consists of a Mayor and 8 Councilors. Only registered voters who live in Richmond can vote in the October 20 election. The locations of the polling stations and the advanced polling stations will be made in advance of the Oct 20th election.

How Long Do City Councillors and the Mayor Serve?

The province has changed the term of the mayor and councillor to 4 years. Previously this was three years.

What Does Richmond City Council Do?

The goals of Richmond City Council are to establish major policies and approve bylaws that change zoning. Council can delegate to the Chief Administrator Officer and City staff. Council serves to protect the public; and to levy taxes for these purposes.

City Council can purchase or sell city properties as they see fit. The City of Richmond publishes notices in both local papers regarding zoning laws and changes. It’s recommended that the public read these notices because zoning changes can change the character of your neighbourhood.

The day-to-day operation of the City is handled by staff but they do oversee the operation of the city and have the ability to make changes. The public can contact Richmond City Council to express any issues that they feel need attention.

Fact: In 1879,  the mayor was called a Reeve and the first Richmond city council was formed.

The last election was on November 15, 2014. The next election is on Oct 20, 2018.

Richmond City Council Committees

Richmond City Council consists of a bunch of sub committees which meet regularly to decide on smaller more specific issues. These committees then make recommendations to the Richmond City Council.

The entire council does not sit on these committees but is allowed to attend any of the meetings.

The Community Safety Committee meets: At 4:00 p.m. on the Tuesday following the first Council meeting of each month, unless otherwise indicated.

The Finance Committee : meets first Monday of each month, following the General Purposes Committee meeting.. 

The General Purposes Committee Meets  At 4:00 p.m. on the Monday seven days before each Council meeting, unless otherwise indicated..

The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Committee   m meets: At 4:00 p.m. on the Tuesday following the second Council meeting of each month, unless otherwise indicated..

The Planning Committee meets: At 4:00 p.m. on the Tuesday six days before each Council meeting, unless otherwise indicated..

Public Works & Transportation Committee meets: At 4:00 p.m. on the Wednesday six days.

Richmond City Council Meetings

The Richmond City Council meetings will be broadcast online. both at the time of the meeting and afterwards. During Council meetings, you can watch the live streaming video by clicking the button .The entire City council meets  generally on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 7 pm, but  that can change so check the City’s website for exceptions. Shaw Cable Channel 4 is generally where the meeting are  broadcast live with a repeat on the following Saturday, but check your TV schedule for changes.

What Are Public Hearings?

Public Hearings are meetings of the Richmond City Council held to provide you, the public with a chance to express your views on land use applications, such as zoning amendments, sometime permit applications or temporary use permits.

Public Hearings are normally held on the third Monday of each month. The agenda is available at the City or on their web site the Friday before but sometimes they add or delete items as the council sees fit. An ad is published in the Richmond Review approximately one week prior to the Public Hearing. .

If you believe that you are affected by a proposal that will change your neighbourhood you can have ten minutes to read your submission or just speak  to city council. It is always a good idea to supply the city with a written version of your speech so it can be on the record. After other people have spoken and there is NEW information you can ask for three minutes more to add to your comments. If you can’t make a meeting you can simply send in a letter to the City Clerk’s Office as follows:

• Email mayorandcouncillors@richmond.ca
• 6911 No.3 Road, Richmond, BC, V6Y 2C1,  Attention: City Clerk
• or By Fax: 604-278-5139,  Attention: City Clerk
• www.richmond.ca has all the reports you will need, generally prepared by staff or the applicants. You can also call 604-276-4395 to be directed to the appropriate staff .

Richmond City Council and Mayor – Salary and Expenses

Mayor earns $ 132,426 plus expenses

Councillors Earn $ 66,214 plus expenses