Richmond council aims to put safe-consumption site debate to rest

Newly elected Richmond Coun. Sheldon Starrett wanted to delay a council declaration that the city is not exploring a safe-consumption site, so the community could provide input. Such a site would allow people who use drugs to have their drugs tested and use them under medical supervision.

Opposition to a safe-consumption site in Richmond was a platform position for many candidates in the Oct. 17 municipal election, including mayor-elect Rob Howard. Coun. Laura Gillanders requested the motion, saying there was a public perception, particularly during the campaign, that incumbent councillors supported pushing for a site.

In February 2024, a motion to explore a site in the Richmond Hospital precinct prompted rallies and two nights of public input at city hall. The issue appeared to galvanize people to organize politically. Council ultimately approved the motion 7-2, but Vancouver Coastal Health said immediately afterward that Richmond did not need a site. Then-mayor Malcolm Brodie later wrote that the matter was closed.

Gillanders said Monday that Brodie’s letter did not seem to be enough to make the public understand that the issue was “at rest.” She said she had confirmed with city staff that the item was closed and that there was no outstanding referral asking them to take action. She said she wanted to begin the term with clarity and believed everyone could agree on that.

Starrett asked to table the motion until the next committee meeting, on Nov. 16, so more people in the community might become aware of it. He said some people might want to speak on both sides of the issue. The rest of council did not support his request to table it, and the matter will return for a final vote at Monday’s council meeting.

Gillanders said council would have many controversial matters to deal with and debate in the future. She added that resolving this issue and being unified would be important, giving council solid ground to move forward.