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The mayor of Richmond, B.C., says he has decided not to seek re-election next year, wrapping up what will be a 25-year tenure in the role.
Malcolm Brodie says it has been an honour and privilege to serve the city through “times of growth, opportunity and challenge.”
Brodie points to the recent Cowichan Tribes ruling by British Columbia Supreme Court as one of the challenges his successor will need to tackle.
The ruling last month granted the Cowichan Tribes Aboriginal title over a portion of almost 7 1/2 square kilometres of land they claimed in Richmond, as well as fishing rights along a stretch of the south arm of the Fraser River.
The City of Richmond has since filed a notice of appeal in the case, with Brodie saying the ruling poses a threat to homeowners in the Metro Vancouver city.
Brodie was first elected to Richmond city council in 1996, becoming mayor in 2001, and he is set to stay on as mayor until the end of his term in November 2026.
Housing, homelessness and infrastructure renewal are also among the priority issues Brodie mentions in his statement issued Tuesday.
“There will be more pressure on recreational programs which makes the building of the new community centre in north Richmond more urgent. Cultural opportunities must be enhanced. And there is much more on the list,” he says.
Reflecting on changes in the city over the years, Brodie says the focus has often been on facilities and infrastructure such as the Richmond Olympic Oval, the Canada Line SkyTrain route and a downtown community centre.
“However, so much of the story over the years is about the people,” he says. “Richmond has often been described as being diverse in population, healthy, active and vibrant while being supportive of families.”
Brodie says his announcement more than a year before the next municipal election, set for October 2026, provides anyone thinking about running for mayor with plenty of time to come up with strategies for the future of the city.
“I am very grateful to all and will leave office fully confident that the mayors and city councillors of the future will preserve the legacies built over the years while they enhance the status of Richmond as an important urban centre in the province.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 16, 2025.
Nono Shen, The Canadian Press
