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Adil Awan

Independent for Richmond Council

Businesses & Jobs

Artificial Intelligence & Data Centres

I will support responsible AI and data-centre development that brings jobs and innovation to Richmond while protecting our environment, managing energy and water use, and respecting nearby communities.

Business Permitting

To make Richmond’s business permitting process faster, simpler and more transparent, so local businesses can spend less time dealing with paperwork and more time creating jobs and serving our community.

I will push for clear timelines, one point of contact and a streamlined application process so Richmond businesses can get permits approved faster, avoid unnecessary delays and open their doors sooner.

Economic Growth

I will support policies that attract new businesses, help existing local businesses grow, create good local jobs and keep Richmond a competitive place to invest, work and do business.

I will work to attract new investment, support Richmond businesses with faster permitting, protect employment lands, encourage diverse industries and create more local job opportunities while keeping our economy strong and competitive.

Tourism

Promote Richmond as a year-round destination by supporting local attractions, restaurants, festivals, sports, arts and cultural events, helping bring more visitors and tourism spending to local businesses.

I will work with Tourism Richmond and local businesses to promote Richmond’s food scene, waterfront, parks, festivals, cultural attractions and sporting events, while attracting more visitors to stay, explore and spend locally.

Climate Change, Heat, Fires, & the Environment

Artificial Intelligence & Data Centres

I will support responsible AI and data-centre development that brings jobs and innovation to Richmond while protecting our environment, managing energy and water use, and respecting nearby communities.

Energy-Efficient Buildings

I will support energy-efficient buildings that lower utility costs, reduce emissions and make homes and businesses more affordable to operate—without adding unnecessary costs to construction or housing.

Flooding

I will push for stronger dikes, better drainage and long-term flood protection, so Richmond is prepared for rising water levels and future storms while protecting homes, businesses and farmland.

Green Space

I will protect Richmond’s existing green spaces and push for more trees, parks and natural areas where families can walk, play and enjoy the outdoors as our city grows.

Private Vehicles & Parking

Protect convenient parking, improve traffic flow and ensure new developments provide enough parking for residents, businesses and visitors—while expanding practical alternatives like transit and cycling.

Urban Heat

I will push for more trees, shaded streets, green spaces and cooler public areas to reduce urban heat and make Richmond’s neighbourhoods safer and more comfortable during extreme summer weather.

Walking & Cycling

I will improve sidewalks, crossings and protected cycling routes so people of all ages can safely walk, bike or roll to schools, parks, shops and transit without having to rely on a car.

Zoning

I will support zoning that allows Richmond to grow while protecting neighbourhood character, green space and farmland, and ensuring new development has the roads, parking, schools and services to support it.

Culture & Events

Festivals & Events

Support more festivals and community events that celebrate Richmond’s diverse cultures, bring families together, attract visitors and create more opportunities for local businesses, artists and performers.

Public Art

I will expand opportunities for local artists to bring more public art, murals and cultural installations into our parks, neighbourhoods and public spaces, reflecting Richmond’s history and diverse communities.

Tourism

Promote Richmond as a year-round destination by supporting local attractions, restaurants, festivals, sports, arts and cultural events, helping bring more visitors and tourism spending to local businesses.

I will work with Tourism Richmond and local businesses to promote Richmond’s food scene, waterfront, parks, festivals, cultural attractions and sporting events, while attracting more visitors to stay, explore and spend locally.

Housing & Homelessness

Affordability

I will work to keep property taxes low, demand transparent and accountable government, and make sure City spending delivers value for taxpayers—so more of your hard-earned money stays in your pocket.

Building Maintenance & Occupant Health

I will push for stronger building maintenance standards, timely inspections and better accountability to ensure Richmond homes and buildings are safe, well-maintained and healthy for residents and workers.

Homelessness

I will support practical solutions to homelessness by working with the province, service providers and community organizations.

supportive housing, mental-health and addiction services, while keeping public spaces safe and welcoming for everyone.

Housing Accessibility

Support more accessible housing for seniors and people with disabilities.

by encouraging accessible design, better building standards and housing options that allow people to remain safely and independently in their communities.

Indigenous-Led Housing

I will support Indigenous-led housing initiatives through respectful partnerships with Indigenous Nations and organizations,

helping create safe, affordable and culturally appropriate housing while respecting property rights, due process and the interests of all Richmond residents.

Property Taxes

I will work to keep property tax increases as low as possible, demand accountability for every tax dollar spent, and ensure City spending is transparent, responsible and focused on essential services.

Public & Assistive Housing

I will support increasing safe, affordable public and supportive housing in Richmond.
working with the provincial government and non-profit providers while ensuring housing is well-managed and integrated into the community.

Rent & Rental Stock

I will support increasing Richmond’s rental supply by encouraging purpose-built rental housing, streamlining approvals and working with developers to create more rental homes.

I will also protect existing rental stock while balancing the needs of tenants, landlords and property owners.

Zoning

I will support zoning that allows Richmond to grow while protecting neighbourhood character, green space and farmland, and ensuring new development has the roads, parking, schools and services to support it.

Human Rights

Human Rights Abroad

I believe Richmond can support human rights and humanitarian efforts around the world by promoting understanding, tolerance and respect within our own community.

As a City Councillor, I would support local initiatives that bring people together, while recognizing that international foreign policy is primarily the responsibility of federal government.

Physical Accessibility

I will work to make Richmond easier to navigate for everyone by improving accessibility.

sidewalks, curb ramps, crossings, public buildings, parks and transit connections so people of all ages and abilities can move around safely and independently.

Recent Immigrants

I will support practical programs that help newcomers settle into Richmond.

including access to community services, language resources, employment connections and information about City programs, while helping build stronger connections between new and long-time residents.

Sex Work

I will support a balanced, safety-focused approach that protects vulnerable people.
respects human rights and works with police, health and social-service providers to address exploitation, trafficking and community safety.

Trans Rights & Access to Public Services

I will support equal access to City services for everyone, regardless of gender identity or expression.

and ensure Richmond’s public facilities and programs are respectful, safe, accessible and free from discrimination.

Local Government, Planning, & Democracy

Artificial Intelligence & Data Centres

I will support responsible AI and data-centre development that brings jobs and innovation to Richmond while protecting our environment, managing energy and water use, and respecting nearby communities.

Budgeting

I will demand responsible budgeting, transparent spending and clear accountability for every tax dollar, while prioritizing essential services and finding savings before asking Richmond taxpayers to pay more.

Good Governance

I will promote open, transparent and accountable government, with clear decisions, responsible spending and regular reporting so Richmond residents know where their tax dollars are going and why.

Long-Term Plan

I will support a clear long-term plan for Richmond that balances growth with infrastructure, housing, transportation, green space and financial sustainability.

so we make smart investments today without passing unnecessary costs on to future generations.

Public Engagement

I will make public engagement more meaningful by listening to residents before major decisions are made.
improving access to information and ensuring Richmond residents have a clear voice in how their neighbourhoods and city develop.

Youth Engagement

I will give Richmond’s young people a stronger voice by creating more opportunities for youth to participate in City decisions, share their ideas and help shape the future of our community.

Mental Health, Drugs, & Addiction

Mental Health Crisis Response

I will work with the Province, police, health services and community organizations to expand timely, compassionate crisis response.
and connect people experiencing mental-health challenges with the right support, while keeping residents and public spaces safe.

Overdoses & the Contaminated Drug Supply

I will support a balanced approach that saves lives, expands access to treatment and recovery, addresses the toxic drug supply.

and works with police and health providers to keep our neighbourhoods and public spaces safe.

Treatment for Addiction

I will advocate for more accessible addiction treatment and recovery services.
working with the Province and local health providers to connect people with timely support, treatment and pathways back to stable, healthy lives.

Public Safety & Policing

Non-Police-Based Public Safety

I will support non-police crisis response where appropriate, including trained mental-health and outreach teams that can respond to people in crisis.

connect them with services and reduce pressure on police while keeping our community safe.

Police Funding

I will support adequate funding for the Richmond RCMP so officers have the resources, training and staffing needed to keep our community safe.
while demanding accountability and ensuring police spending delivers value for taxpayers.

Police Wrongdoing & Accountability

I will support strong oversight and accountability for police conduct, ensuring complaints are taken seriously,

investigations are handled independently where required, and residents can have confidence that everyone is treated fairly and the law is followed.

Upstream Causes of Crime

I will support practical investments that address the causes of crime, including youth programs, affordable housing, mental-health and addiction services.

education and employment opportunities, while maintaining strong policing and accountability.

Public Spaces & Services

Fitness & Sports Facilities

Support more accessible and affordable sports and fitness facilities, improve existing recreation spaces and create more opportunities for youth, families and seniors to stay active and healthy in Richmond.

Green Space

I will protect Richmond’s existing green spaces and push for more trees, parks and natural areas where families can walk, play and enjoy the outdoors as our city grows.

Health Infrastructure

I will work with the Province and health authorities to support better health infrastructure in Richmond,

including expanded medical, mental-health and seniors’ services, while advocating for facilities that meet the needs of our growing community.

Public Washrooms

I will support more clean, safe and accessible public washrooms in parks, community spaces and busy areas, with reliable maintenance so they are available when residents and visitors need them.

Sidewalks & Bike Paths

I will invest in safer, better-connected sidewalks and protected bike paths, with improved crossings and lighting, so residents of all ages can walk, cycle or roll safely throughout Richmond.

Zoning

I will support zoning that allows Richmond to grow while protecting neighbourhood character, green space and farmland, and ensuring new development has the roads, parking, schools and services to support it.

Reconciliation & Indigenous Nations

Indigenous Languages

I will support efforts to recognize and promote Indigenous languages in Richmond, working respectfully with local First Nations and Indigenous organizations.

I believe learning about Indigenous languages and culture can help build understanding, respect and stronger relationships in our community.

Indigenous-Led Housing

I will support Indigenous-led housing initiatives through respectful partnerships with Indigenous Nations and organizations,

helping create safe, affordable and culturally appropriate housing while respecting property rights, due process and the interests of all Richmond residents.

Land Title & Governance

I will support respectful dialogue with Indigenous Nations while also protecting the rights of Richmond property owners.

Any changes involving land title or governance should follow due process, respect established property rights and provide certainty for residents, businesses and future generations.

Place Names & Commemorations

I support recognizing Richmond’s Indigenous history through appropriate place names, plaques, monuments and commemorations.

I would work with Indigenous Nations and the community to ensure these efforts are respectful and educational. At the same time, we should recognize the contributions of all the communities that have helped build Richmond into the diverse city it is today. Our history should reflect and respect everyone who has contributed to Richmond.

Residential Schools

I believe Richmond should continue to recognize and educate people about the history and lasting impacts of residential schools.

We should support opportunities for education, remembrance and dialogue with Indigenous communities, particularly for younger generations. Understanding this history is an important part of building respectful relationships and moving forward together.

Transit & Getting Around

Private Vehicles & Parking

Protect convenient parking, improve traffic flow and ensure new developments provide enough parking for residents, businesses and visitors—while expanding practical alternatives like transit and cycling.

Sidewalks & Bike Paths

I will invest in safer, better-connected sidewalks and protected bike paths, with improved crossings and lighting, so residents of all ages can walk, cycle or roll safely throughout Richmond.

Transit Projects

I will push for better transit connections in Richmond, including more frequent buses, better connections between neighbourhoods and major destinations, and improved links to regional transit.

I will work with TransLink and senior governments to secure funding and make sure Richmond gets its fair share of transit investment.

Walking & Cycling

I will improve sidewalks, crossings and protected cycling routes so people of all ages can safely walk, bike or roll to schools, parks, shops and transit without having to rely on a car.

Biography

submitted by the candidate or their team
I’ve called Richmond home since 1974. I’m a retired airline captain, business owner and community volunteer. I care deeply about Richmond and want to help build a city that is affordable, green, safe and welcoming for families and future generations.

I’ve called Richmond home since 1974, and this community has been a big part of my life. I’m running for Richmond City Council because I believe our city is changing quickly, and we need practical, responsible leadership to make sure that growth benefits the people who live here.

After almost 40 years in aviation, including working as an airline captain, I’ve learned the importance of preparation, accountability, teamwork and making sound decisions. My experience as a business owner has also taught me the importance of listening to people, managing resources responsibly and getting things done.

As a councillor, I want to focus on the issues that matter in people’s everyday lives—housing affordability, traffic and transportation, public safety, responsible development, parks and green spaces, and supporting local businesses.

I also want to see Richmond become a more vibrant and connected community. That includes supporting arts and culture from all backgrounds, creating more opportunities for families to enjoy our parks and public spaces, and protecting Richmond’s natural environment.

I’m not running to make promises I can’t keep. I want to listen to residents, ask questions, look at the facts and work toward practical solutions.

My goal is simple: to help build a Richmond that is affordable, safe, green, vibrant and a great place to live for families today and for future generations.

Let’s leave Richmond better than how we found it.

See Adil Awan's election promises

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