Last Tuesday, an unfortunate event occurred in Richmond when The Remy, a six storey wood frame residential low rise, became engulfed with flames. Because this project went through a cumbersome approval process, this unfortunate event has received a lot of attention from the media and residents of Richmond.

Of the many concerns that arose during the approval process, the biggest was the fire safety and structure issue. The city of Richmond’s fire department did not have the adequate equipment to handle an emergency of this magnitude. On Tuesday, the city of Richmond had to call in fire trucks from the neighbouring municipalities to help fight the flames.

As we all know, a fire can break out anywhere and at anytime regardless of the structure type. Richmond residents are now looking to appeal the decision of allowing a six storey wood frame structure by taking it to council. The City of Richmond approved this type of building form originally because wood-frame homes are more economical to build and therefore come with lower prices than concrete. Wood frame homes also help our local lumber market. Lower prices mean more opportunities for first time buyers and a change in building type allows for varied streetscapes and a more beautiful city. Additionally, this type of building is used outside of the lower mainland with positive results.

Perhaps the public and the city need to focus on creating improvements in building codes and local fire safety equipment when changes are made within the City for new types of development. Furthermore, we should wait for the results in the investigation to fully understand how and why the fire started before we go back and make further changes within the City. Ultimately, with affordability continuing to be an issue for some in the lower mainland, it would be ideal if the City of Richmond does not just simply renege on the approval but ensure other factors have been improved to make room for this housing type.

Irshaad Ahmad