After a heated public hearing and nearly a decade of debate – Richmond City Council has given the green light to the city’s first-ever Walmart.
The big-box retailer has a strong presence throughout Metro Vancouver, but Richmond is one of the only cities without a Walmart.
The decision came after a tense hearing Monday night in which council heard from 20 speakers before voting 6-2 in favour of the project, which was met with mixed opinions.
“We don’t need a big-box mall, we have enough shopping,” one woman told council. “If you pass this, you’re going to add more traffic, there’s more emissions. Lansdowne Mall, if it stays open will be a miracle. Other small businesses will suffer.”
George Pope, a nearby resident who said he has lived in the area for 17 years, said he was initially opposed to the proposal, but now supports it.
“I think it was very well-researched and planned and sincere,” he told council. “One thing I’d like to see, is because any development…leads to a greater heat signature for the city, I’d like to see them have 80% of the roof of the development be grass.”
Other supporters said the new Walmart would increase convenience for consumers, while others said jobs created as a result would benefit the area.
Walmart has been pushing for approval for the last 10 years, and has promised the City of Richmond that it will pay for infrastructure enhancements in the area.
The store is still at least three years away from a potential opening at its proposed location of Alderbridge Way and Garden City Road.
