Richmond city council candidates had the opportunity to discuss concerns about the cost of living at a debate organized by the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition on Thursday evening. Affordability has been a major topic of discussion in Richmond, as highlighted in a recent municipal report that revealed residents attributing the doubling of the community’s unhoused population between 2020 and 2025 to rising prices.
The debate comes in the midst of a busy election year, with 55 individuals vying for the eight council seats, representing a significant increase compared to the previous election cycle. Advanced voter turnout has also seen a significant rise, exceeding the numbers from the previous election.
Incumbent councillor Laura Gillanders emphasized the need for a shift in the affordable housing model, advocating for a strategy that relies less on the private sector and more on city-led initiatives. Gillanders proposed leveraging city-owned land and collaborating with entities like B.C. Housing and provincial and federal housing programs to offer a wider range of housing options, including deeply subsidized units.
Former MP Kenny Chiu, running with Common Sense Alliance, cautioned against unrealistic expectations regarding the municipal government’s role in addressing affordable housing, stressing the limitations of what a municipality can achieve in this regard. Michael Lok of We Are Richmond shared plans for a mixed commercial and residential building for an affordable housing project in Steveston.
The candidates also discussed the contentious 40-unit Aster Place facility, a B.C. Housing modular housing establishment for the unhoused. The facility’s operating permit was extended until 2030 following a heated public hearing that saw council voting in favor, with councillors Alexa Loo and Kash Heed dissenting.
Karen Novorr-Pezzuto, part of Loo’s Richmond Strong slate, criticized the decision to renew the lease of Aster Place, suggesting that council could have negotiated with B.C. Housing to repurpose the building for vulnerable seniors, a missed opportunity in her view. Vincent Li of the Richmond Citizens’ Association expressed support for enhancing the programs offered at Aster Place to assist individuals dealing with various challenges.
The debate saw the participation of nearly 30 council candidates out of the total 55, with most local parties being represented. However, Conservative Richmond and Advance Richmond, two groups actively campaigning in the city, were notably absent from the event.
