Richmond bus stops will now require the English language in its signage and advertisements.
The issue is not new—as a Budweiser advertisement written in Chinese-only sparked controversy earlier this year, among others.
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During a recent council meeting, Mayor Malcolm Brodie mentioned a 20-year contract with Pattison Outdoor Ltd. The contract came into effect the beginning of August and was made in an effort to incorporate English into all bus stop signage. It calls for all signage to have at least 50 per cent English writing.
Certain residents felt excluded from the Chinese-only signs and the City has been gradually working towards this change.
The issue isn’t only with bus stop signs but also local businesses and advertisements at the Canada Line Station.
While nearly 50 per cent of Richmond’s population is of Chinese descent, the other 50 per cent speak predominantly English.
The main goal of requiring more English language on signage is to ensure others feel included within their community.
