Advisory Bodies


Volunteer for Council Appointed Advisory Bodies

View of desk with note 'Volunteer today'

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.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

  • Child Care Development Advisory Committee - apply by March 15

Individuals interested in serving, in a volunteer capacity, on the above committees are invited to submit an application, along with a resume, to the attention of the City Clerk's Office.

Download the application form to apply today.

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 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.

Terms of Reference

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.

Terms of Reference

Staff Liaison: Kirsten Close - 604-238-8041


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 (does not have vacancies at this time)

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: Claudia Jesson - 604-276-4006


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 - 2022 Annual Report
Child Care Development Advisory Committee - 2023 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 - 2022 Annual Report
Richmond Community Services Advisory Committee - 2023 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.

Terms of Reference

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.

Terms of Reference

Staff Liaison: Steven De Sousa - 604-204-8529



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: Johnny MacRae - 604-247-4971


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: Minhee Park - 604-276-4188


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 - 2022 Annual Report
Intercultural Advisory Committee - 2023 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

Mandate: To operate in an advisory capacity to provide input, advice and feedback on the use, programming and services provided by the Minoru Centre for Active Living including ensuring efficient service to the community and maximized facility use.


Terms of Reference

Staff Liaison: Renata Turick - 604-238-8041



Public Art Advisory Committee

Membership: 9 citizen appointees
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

Membership: 15 citizen appointees
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 - 2022 Annual Report
Richmond Seniors Advisory Committee - 2023 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: Mike Romas - 604-276-4081


Vancouver International Airport (YVR) Aeronautical Noise Management Committee

Membership: 1 citizen appointee (and 1 alternate)
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.

Terms of Reference

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

Staff Liaison: Grace Tiu - 604-276-4110