The mayor of Richmond, B.C., won’t be seeking re-election next year after 25 years in the role, saying there are upcoming issues that will require leadership and hard work.

Malcolm Brodie said in a statement Tuesday that it has been an honour and privilege to serve the city through “times of growth, opportunity and challenge.”

Brodie, 76, said in an interview on Tuesday that he’ll do what he can before the next election to help the city through what may be a difficult few years.

“But basically, we need someone to take over the mantle, move it forward, and take it into the future. So, I just felt that the time was right to take this step.”

Brodie pointed to the recent Cowichan Tribes ruling by British Columbia Supreme Court as one of the challenges his successor will need to tackle.

The ruling last month granted the Cowichan Tribes Aboriginal title over a portion of land claimed in Richmond that was once a summer village of the First Nation. The court also granted the nation fishing rights along a stretch of the south arm of the Fraser River.

The City of Richmond has since filed a notice of appeal in the case.

Brodie said the ruling poses a threat to city homeowners.

“It’s absolutely devastating to the people who are directly involved right now,” said Brodie.

He said “It’s critical that we overturn that decision.”

Brodie was first elected in Richmond as a councillor in 1996. He became mayor in 2001, and will stay on until the end of his term in November 2026.

Housing, homelessness and infrastructure renewal are also among the priority issues needed in the city, Brodie said in his statement.

“There will be more pressure on recreational programs which makes the building of the new community centre in north Richmond more urgent. Cultural opportunities must be enhanced. And there is much more on the list,” he said.

Reflecting on changes in the city over the years, Brodie said the focus has often been on facilities and infrastructure such as the Richmond Olympic Oval, the Canada Line Train route and a downtown community centre.

“However, so much of the story over the years is about the people,” he says. “Richmond has often been described as being diverse in population, healthy, active and vibrant while being supportive of families,” his statement said.

Brodie said the biggest demographic change during his tenure in the city is the growth of the Chinese community.

“I don’t know the exact percentages, but the percentages and the actual numbers have gone up dramatically over that period of time,” said Brodie, “and I am pleased to say that we have invited people from all over the world to be a part of the experience here in the City of Richmond.”

The city has faced recent criticism after a Global News investigation revealed the city spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on gift cards, with a large portion of purchases unaccounted for.

RCMP said in an email in May that it has opened an investigation into the case.

Brodie said the city has cut off the gift card program, and made policy and procedure changes.

“There won’t be any more gift cards, I can assure you of that, and we also had a forensic audit done on the gift card situation over the last number of years,” said Brodie.

He said that police have been called in to review the forensic audit, and an employee has been terminated as a result.

Brodie said the announcement of his departure a year out will provide anyone thinking about running with plenty of time to come up with strategies for the future of the city.

“I am very grateful to all and will leave office fully confident that the mayors and city councillors of the future will preserve the legacies built over the years while they enhance the status of Richmond as an important urban centre in the province.”

Brodie, who has two adult children and three grandchildren, said he’ll focus on his family, who “has sacrificed a lot for him to be the mayor over the years.”

“I think that they are deserving of my time and attention,” said Brodie.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 16, 2025.