Richmond city councillor candidate Kevin Lainchbury says he would answer “yes” to most of the questionnaire topics, including increasing police and firefighter funding.
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Kevin Lainchbury is seeking election to Richmond City Council as a One Richmond candidate in the South Arm neighbourhood.
In a questionnaire presented to all municipal candidates, Lainchbury described his profession as sales and said his favourite hobby or pastime was outdoor activities.
He said he is running because the 2026 election will involve “unprecedented turnover on council,” with four incumbents not running. He also said he wants to preserve city services while bringing a “fresh perspective” and renewed focus on efficient delivery.
On whether Richmond is a safe place to live, work and play, Lainchbury said Richmond is safe but that the city can still work to increase safety. He referenced a property crime rate of 4,513 per 100,000 people in 2024, alongside a lower violent crime rate of 1,023 per 100,000 people, and said crime rates are decreasing annually.
When asked if he would increase taxes to pay for more police officers and firefighters, Lainchbury answered “yes.” He also said “yes” to continuing the city’s appeal of the Cowichan Tribes ruling and supporting increased reconciliation efforts with First Nations.
Lainchbury answered “yes” to whether new small-scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH) developments fit into Richmond and said he would support lowering fees for developers to support faster housing development. He also said he would allow more City of Richmond-owned land to be used for affordable housing.
On temporary modular housing contracts, he answered “no.” He said “yes” to adding more bike lanes and to the need for the city to reduce traffic congestion, and he answered “yes” on adding more buses.
Lainchbury also said “yes” to lowering property taxes and to providing more recreational facilities. He answered “yes” to increasing funding for arts programming and answered “no” to having more taxpayer-funded free community events.
On whether the city gets enough support from senior levels of government for housing, health and transportation, Lainchbury answered “no.” He said “no” to reducing environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs) on private property and answered “no” on allowing retail cannabis stores in Richmond.
He said “no” to more industrial or commercial development along the Fraser River waterfront, but answered “yes” to creating more low-cost or subsidized commercial space for local entrepreneurs and startups.
For major infrastructure decisions, Lainchbury answered “yes” to holding more public consultations.
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