City of Richmond Barriers to Public Participation and Impact on Local Democracy

Dear Mayor and Council,

I am writing to express growing concern about the barriers that Richmond residents face when trying to speak directly to their elected representatives at City Council. These barriers are not just procedural inconveniences—they undermine the health of our local democracy.

Over the past year, the City has seen multiple forensic investigations, including those into the City gift card program and now the Richmond Olympic Oval. These situations raise important accountability and transparency issues that directly impact public trust in our local government. Yet, despite public interest and concern, residents face a bureaucratic maze when attempting to voice opinions or raise questions. This is not acceptable. 

Specifically, the current 38-page bylaw governing council procedures (Bylaw 7560) is unnecessarily complex and acts as a deterrent rather than an invitation to civic engagement. For many citizens—especially newcomers, seniors, young people, and those not fluent in legal or municipal language—navigating these procedures can be intimidating or impossible. 

Some key concerns include:

• Lack of a simple, transparent process to appear as a delegation or ask a public question.

• Excessive rules and unclear timelines for requesting to speak.

• No formal Public Question Period, as is a standard democratic practice.

• Perceived gatekeeping that deters participation rather than encouraging it.

Even the City's Cultural Harmony Plan states on page four, "remove barriers to participation for Richmond residents" yet the City's actions don't match these words or intent. If you've ever wondered why council meetings are mostly absent of residents, maybe ask yourself, are we welcoming the public not through words in policy manuals but through out actions to allow public participation. What's the connection between public participation and low voter turnout?

Public participation is not a nuisance—it is a cornerstone of democracy. Council should be doing everything possible to lower the threshold for civic engagement, especially when trust has been shaken by financial and governance concerns.

I urge you to:

• Review and simplify Bylaw 7560 with the goal of making public participation easier and more accessible.

• Establish a regular Public Question Period during Council meetings. This could be 5 minute time slots at beginning or end of council meetings.

• Improve public communication on how residents can engage with Council, including plain-language guides.

In moments when public confidence is at risk, the best response is openness and accessibility—not silence or bureaucracy.

Thank you for your attention to our local democracy.

Sincerely,

Jerome Dickey