Policy encouraging 50% English on commercial signs passed in Richmond Hill.

Richmond’s city council has decided the current approach to dealing with English on commercial signs will be formalized into a written policy.

The City of Richmond says an “educational approach” to encourage at least 50 per cent English on a sign has led to 100 per cent compliance after months of debate.It means the city will continue to have no bylaws regulating language on signs.

Specifically at issue in Richmond have been signs in Chinese, which have increased in numbers over the years in the city. According to the 2016 census, 44.8 per cent of residents indicated a Chinese language as their mother tongue, compared to 33.1 per cent who listed English.   Many original residents say they feel like outsiders in their own community and country because too many signs are in Chinese only.