FORMER Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Kash Heed announced on Wednesday that he is running for mayor in the City of Richmond where he is currently a councillor.
Heed said in a statement: “On October 17, 2026, I will be seeking your support to become the Mayor of Richmond, with the goal of implementing a proactive and forward-thinking agenda.”
He added: “This agenda will prioritize change over maintaining the status quo, focusing on our collective efforts to create the most livable, safe, affordable, and culturally vibrant community in Canada.”
Heed said: “I will take a results-oriented approach to address the needs of taxpayers,” including commitment to affordable government, transparency, accountability, public safety, and housing.
Since his first patrol with the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) in 1979, Heed has served the citizens of British Columbia for over 46 years. After high-profile gang and drug enforcement commands with the VPD, he was West Vancouver’s Chief Constable for two years before being elected to the BC Legislature in 2009 as the MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview. Immediately after, Heed was appointed to serve as BC’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
Commitment to Affordable Government
– Identifying key priorities and opportunities that matter to taxpayers while proactively managing risks to achieve meaningful outcomes.
– Implementing a comprehensive plan to contain municipal spending while preserving essential services.
– Restructuring the organization to create a lean, efficient cost-effective administrative system where staff receive clear guidance and are held accountable.
– Ensuring full public access to financial documents.
Central to this initiative will be a commitment to affordability in every decision made by a proactive Council that understands the importance of prioritizing our taxpayers. We have witnessed unchecked tax increases without a corresponding improvement in services or accountability. My pledge is simple: If a decision does not benefit seniors, students, or working families, it won’t be made!
Transparency
– Minimizing closed meetings and ensuring that topics and voting record on motions are made public as soon as possible.
– Providing comprehensive reports that justify the actions of all managers and Council members.
– Enhancing public access to municipal services and contracts.
Accountability
– Holding referendums for significant municipal capital projects.
– Advocating for a three-term limit for Council members.
– Requiring ongoing financial audits and oversight for expenditures.
– Mandating an Open Data policy.
Public Safety
– Adopting a holistic approach to protective services.
– Leveraging technology for enhanced safety measures.
– Establishing tiered enforcement levels.
– Addressing challenges related to unhoused individuals by removing people from problematic areas.
– Assisting those struggling with drug addiction and mental health issues through secure care treatment and solutions.
Housing
– Ensuring a diverse range of housing options for all demographics in Richmond, including seniors, disadvantaged residents, basic-income earners, students, and families.
– Streamlining permitting processes for builders through digitization and AI integration to expedite approvals, with a goal of a 3-3-3-1 timeline.
– Developing housing in locations that make the most sense for long-term community planning.
KASH said: “As we move forward, I will focus on measuring our progress and adjust strategies as needed. We must be willing to pivot intelligently, explore new avenues, and proactively mitigate risks while seizing emerging opportunities.
“The direction we take as a community will be shaped by your choices and voices, informed by my 40 plus years of public service experience: our path won’t be dictated by bureaucratic red tape.
“I look forward to your support in the upcoming election so we can work together to advance our shared vision for this amazing city.”
