Advisory Bodies
Volunteer for Council Appointed Advisory Bodies
There are many opportunities to participate in your local government through Council appointments to serve on various committees created to address specific areas of civic concern. Applications are accepted annually in August and September.
The application period for the 2025 Advisory Bodies is now closed. Please check back for volunteer opportunities in fall of 2025 for the 2026 term.
For more information, please contact the City Clerk’s office by email at cityclerk@richmond.ca or by phone at 604-276-4007.
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Membership: 12 members, including 7 citizen appointees
Length of Term: 2 year term
Mandate: The purpose of the Accessibility Advisory Committee is to act as a resource and provide advice to City Council to support the advancement of accessibility in Richmond, so people with disabilities are able to participate fully in all aspects of community life.
Terms of Reference
Richmond Accessibility Advisory Committee - 2023 Annual Report
Richmond Accessibility Advisory Committee - 2024 Work Program
Staff Liaison: Melanie Burner - 604-276-4390
Advisory Committee on the Environment
Membership: 10 citizen appointees
Length of Term: 2 year term
Mandate: To advise Council on environmental issues of concern to the community, and to promote effective means to achieve a sustainable environment.
Staff Liaison: Babak Behnia - 604-204-8639
Advisory Design Panel
Membership: 9 representatives from professional associations
Length of Term: 2 year term
Mandate: The membership of the Advisory Design Panel is nominated by designated associations and then, the members are appointed by Council. The Advisory Design Panel considers and makes recommendations to staff with regard to the design, landscaping and site planning of new development within the City, with the exception of single-family, small multi-family and some industrial development.
Terms of Reference
Staff Liaison: Viren Kalianpur- 604-247-4620
Aquatic Advisory Board
Membership: 9 citizen appointees
Length of Term: 2 year term
Mandate: To work with City staff to develop a policy framework for service standards, operating hours, fees and charges, scheduling and marketing of Richmond's four aquatic facilities.
Staff Liaison: Aila Morris - 604-276-4280
BC Athletic Commission
Effective May 30, 2013 the British Columbia Athletic Commissioner oversees the conduct of professional boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) events throughout the Province of BC. The Athletic Commissioner is committed to the safety and integrity of professional boxing and MMA.
The Commissioner can be contacted toll free at 1-855-952-6760 or Athletic.Commissioner@gov.bc.ca.
Within the City of Richmond, contact Todd Gross, Director, Parks Services at 604-247-4942.
Board of Variance
Membership: 5 citizen appointees
Length of Term: 3 year term
Mandate: To hear appeals against the provisions of the Richmond Zoning & Development Bylaw in circumstances of hardship, usually in connection with the siting of buildings or additions in relation to the boundaries of the property on which they are located.
Board of Variance Bylaw No. 9259
Staff Liaison: Evangel Biason - 604-276-4098
Child Care Development Advisory Committee
Membership: 12 citizen appointees
Length of Term: 2 year term
Mandate: To achieve the development of quality, affordable and accessible child care in the City.
Terms of Reference
Child Care Development Advisory Committee - 2023 Annual Report
Child Care Development Advisory Committee - 2024 Work Program
Staff Liaison: Chris Duggan - 604-204-8621
Community Services Advisory Committee
Membership: 2 citizen appointees
Length of Term: 2 year term
Mandate: To encourage and promote social policies and community services that contribute to the general health, welfare and quality of life of Richmond residents.
Terms of Reference
Richmond Community Services Advisory Committee - 2023 Annual Report
Richmond Community Services Advisory Committee - 2024 Work Program
Staff Liaison: Dorothy Jo - 604-276-4391
Economic Advisory Committee
Membership: 13 citizen appointees
Length of Term: 2 year term
Mandate: To provide Council with feedback and advice on economic development strategic planning issues and initiatives.
Staff Liaison: Jill Shirey - 604-247-4682
Food Security and Agricultural Advisory Committee
Membership: 10 citizen appointees
Length of Term: 2 year term
Mandate: To provide information, options and recommendations to Council on agricultural and food security issues referred by Council; to review development proposals that are in or adjacent to agricultural areas; to assist Council and City staff in implementing the Agricultural Viability Strategy; to enhance public education and awareness of agricultural and food security issues; and to liaise with other levels of government to address agricultural viability issues.
Staff Liaison: James Hnatowich - 604-247-4911
Gateway Theatre Society Board
Membership: 10 members (6 members appointed by Council)
Length of Term: 2 year term
Mandate: To enrich the quality of life in Richmond and surrounding communities by creating outstanding professional theatre and a dynamic hub for the performing arts.
2020-2021 Annual Report
Staff Liaison: Ashley Bate - 604-247-4984
Heritage Commission
Membership: 6 citizen appointees
Length of Term: 2 year term
Mandate: To advise Council on heritage conservation and promotion matters and undertake and provide support for activities that benefit and advance heritage in the City.
Heritage Commission Bylaw No. 7906
Staff Liaison: Judith Mosley - 604-276-4170
Intercultural Advisory Committee
Membership: 18 citizen appointees
Length of Term: 2 year term
Mandate: To enhance intercultural harmony and strengthen intercultural co-operation in Richmond.
Terms of Reference
Intercultural Advisory Committee - 2023 Annual Report
Intercultural Advisory Committee - 2024 Work Program
Staff Liaison: Peggy Chen - 604-276-4104
Minoru Centre for Active Living Program Committee
Membership: 4 citizen appointees
Length of Term: 2 year term
Staff Liaison: Kirsten Close - 604-238-8041
Public Art Advisory Committee
Length of Term: 2 year term
Mandate: To provide input on public art policy, planning, education and promotion.
Terms of Reference
Staff Liaison: Biliana Velkova - 604-247-4612
Public Library Board
Membership: 8 citizen appointees
Length of Term: 2 year term
Mandate: The Board is established pursuant to the Library Act, and is responsible for the provision of library services and programs in Richmond.
Staff Liaison: Susan Walters - 604-231-6466
Seniors Advisory Committee
Length of Term: 2 year term
Mandate: To provide advice on short-term issues and long-term planning for present and future Richmond seniors.
Terms of Reference
Richmond Seniors Advisory Committee - 2023 Annual Report
Richmond Seniors Advisory Committee - 2024 Work Program
Staff Liaison: Claire Adamson - 604-247-4482
Sister City Advisory Committee
Membership: 13 citizen appointees
Length of Term: 2 year term
Mandate: The role and purpose of the Richmond Sister City Advisory Committee is to provide advice to and assist the City in the promotion of the City’s culture and values, delivery of the Sister City Program and the pursuit of the City’s specific goal to establish and sustain cultural and educational ties with approved Sister/Friendship Cities.
Terms of Reference
Program Objectives
Visit the Sister City Advisory Committee page for more information.
Staff Liaison: Alisa Carey - 604-247-4695
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) Aeronautical Noise Management Committee
Length of Term: 2 year term
Mandate: To review all aspects of the aeronautical noise management program of the Vancouver Airport Authority (VAA) and to make recommendations to VAA management for the development of aeronautical noise policy and procedures. Appointees are required to report to directly to the General Purposes Committee on a regular basis.
Staff Liaison: Kevin Eng - 604-247-4626
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) Environmental Advisory Committee
Membership: 1 citizen appointee (selected from the City of Richmond’s Advisory Committee on the Environment)
Length of Term: 2 year term
Mandate: The YVR Environmental Advisory Committee provides input and suggestions on YVR's environmental practices and programs. The Environment Advisory Committee represents diverse interests, including community and environmental groups, industry, government and the Musqueam Indian Band.
Terms of Reference
Staff Liaison: Babak Behnia - 604-204-8639
Youth Advisory Committee
Membership: 10 citizen appointees
Length of Term: 1 year term
Mandate: The purpose of the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is to act as a resource and provide advice to City Council regarding the planning, development and implementation of policies, programs and services that directly impact youth and young adults in Richmond.
Terms of Reference
2024 Work Program
Staff Liaison: Grace Tiu - 604-276-4110