The City of Richmond confirms that Councillor Chak Au has resigned from Richmond City Council, effective February 1, 2026.

Councillor Au was first elected to Richmond City Council in November 2011 and was re-elected in 2014 and 2018. The City thanks Councillor Au for his years of service to the community and his contributions during his time on Council.

At its January 19, 2026 meeting, Council approved a motion that allows the City to forgo a by-election in the event of a councillor’s resignation during an election year. As a result of this decision, a by-election will not be held to fill the vacancy created by Councillor Au’s resignation. Avoiding a by-election is expected to save the City approximately $1 million in costs.

The vacant council seat will be filled at the next general local election, which will take place later this year.