Malcolm Brodie: Richmond’s rapid growth presents challenges

Mayor Malcolm Brodie on his plans for the future of Richmond
 

Richmond has been internationally recognized for its quality of living. Characterized as one of the most diverse communities in Canada with a very active volunteer base, Richmond has been called Canada’s healthiest city. Yet there remain challenges as we shape our City for the future. As Mayor, I propose to continue demonstrating leadership, vision and experience to improve the City for the benefit of our residents and businesses.

So many of Richmond’s challenges arise because along with the region, the City is growing rapidly. We are managing the growth under our plan--one which includes a densification in the City Centre along with more housing, parks and public amenities. New development will be oriented towards the Canada Line. Density will increase near the stations. In the future, residents will be able to live, play and work in the same area--in keeping with current principles of sustainable city development.

As we continue to manage Richmond’s growth, constant attention must be paid to the safety of our community and businesses. Richmond’s crime rate has been decreasing, and to ensure our crime rate decreases even further, we will work closely with the RCMP to recognize our civic safety priorities, especially with the opening of the Canada Line. By continuing our careful planning, we will be able to provide a safe atmosphere in the rapid transit stations and nearby.

Traffic bottlenecks remain a challenge in a number of areas. We will continue to deal with this by extending the ring roads around the major corridors, developing more bicycle lanes and working with TransLink to enhance the transportation network.

Other challenges for Richmond are to manage our finances while we keep property taxes low and our business sector strong. Our Long Term Financial Management Strategy has enabled the City to keep property taxes down. Richmond has always had a choice of jobs for the workers in our community. We must support our partners in the business sector as they extend to reach new markets, particularly in the Asia Pacific.

We will soon celebrate the completion of large projects now in their construction stages. For example, Richmond will soon open its Olympic Oval. As home for 2010 Winter Olympic speed-skating competitions, Richmond will also have a celebration site on the waterfront during the Games. Our residents will welcome the world with entertainment, the arts, cultural exhibits, nation houses and corporate opportunities. We will then transition the Oval to a centre for the community for sports, recreation, wellness and fitness as part of the tremendous legacies arising out of various 2010 initiatives.

Richmond will meet the challenge of enhancing and protecting the environment with sustainable civic initiatives. For example, we are enhancing our extensive parks, recreational trails and other amenities--just visit Terra Nova Rural Park to enjoy this unique area. We have many initiatives as we seek increased sustainability, such as finding alternate sources of energy. Richmond was one of the first communities to have a State of Environment Report developed by its citizens.

There are a number of other initiatives being adopted primarily to manage growth. For example, many of our facilities need renewal. To promote affordability, Richmond must further implement its Affordable Housing Strategy and work with other levels of government for support.

The position of Mayor in Richmond is complex and requires a leader with vision and experience. I believe that my legal, business, and volunteer experience has served our Council well. My experience on Council, with Metro Vancouver, as past Chair of TransLink, and as a Trustee of the BC Municipal Finance Authority, has added to my vision to make Richmond a well-managed community with much to enjoy and celebrate. There’s much more that can be done to make Richmond even better, and that’s why I’m seeking another term as Mayor.

 
How would you reshape your municipality? The Georgia Straight is publishing articles on its Web site from mayoral candidates in Metro Vancouver. For more information, e-mail webeditor@straight.com.