Richmond revisits debate over signs

RICHMOND — A requirement to put English on signs in Richmond is back on the table — the latest twist in a long debate on how to deal with Chinese-only signage in the city.

On Monday, council is expected to debate a sign bylaw that would require at least 50 per cent of future signs to be in one of Canada’s official languages, similar to bylaws passed in Aurora and Richmond Hill, Ont.

It’s the third time in four years sign regulation has come before Richmond council. But this time, some councillors are betting there is public appetite for a language requirement.

“Things have changed in Richmond,” said Coun. Carol Day, who voted in favour this week of an amendment requiring the language provision. It was tacked onto a proposed sign bylaw that involved decluttering signage on storefronts.

Richmond, where almost half the population is ethnic Chinese, has drawn complaints about unilingual Chinese signs on storefronts, real-estate ads and bus shelters.

In 2015, council opted for outreach and education, with staff visiting businesses and encouraging owners to voluntarily include English on signs as a way to increase their customer base and improve community harmony.

The program proved so successful — with 100 per cent buy-in from businesses — that now councillors are encouraged to go further.