Why we love our Richmond, BC community!

Richmond is a beautiful city on the west coast of Canada in the Fraser River delta of the Metro Vancouver Regional District. It takes up almost all of Lulu Island and is surrounded by the Fraser River. There are many other Islands In the area with New Westminster and Annacis Island to the east and to the west is the Strait of Georgia. The Vancouver International Airport is located on Sea Island to the north, also surrounded by the Fraser River's arms. Lulu Island, Sea Island, and 15 other small Islands are all part of the city's total land area. Burkeville and Steveston were independent Villages that were annexed by Richmond with Burkeville sharing Sea Island with the airport and Steveston a small fishing village located in the southwest corner of the city. In 1879 on November 10th the township of Richmond British Columbia was incorporated and the City of Richmond was designated on December 3rd, 1990.

There are Heritage sites and several museums in the old fishing village of Steveston with many fishing boats located at the working Harbor. Richmond has a very diverse history and is home to the London Heritage Farm, the Britannia Shipyard National Historic Site, and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. A group of indigenous peoples of the pacific northwest coast known as Coast Salish was known to collect berries and fish. They would stay in temporary summer camps with some being located at Woodwards Landing and Garry Point on the island. Richmond is known to host many annual festivals deep in the region's history, arts, and culture. 

The Richmond Maritime Festival and the Steveston Salmon Festival are excellent examples of the many festivals held in the area. These festivals host a parade, ships, indoor and outdoor exhibitions as well as the Richmond Night Market as a way to connect with local merchants and artisans. Richmond weather is considered to be an ocean climate and has mild to warm temperatures in the summer and in the winter it rarely snows. The city is not located as close to the mountains as Vancouver and therefore it has less rainfall however in the cooler months it does remain very cloudy. 

Based on a 2021 census the population of Richmond is just over 200,000 and holds the highest immigrant population in Canada at approximately 60% With 75% identifying as Asian descent. The economy is solid boasting approximately 100,000 jobs in many different service areas including Manufacturing, government, fishing, tourism, retail, and agriculture. The main crops grown are blueberries and cranberries however strawberries, potatoes, and corn are also exported from the area and farmed by well over 200 local farmers. 

Richmond also offers solid educational options starting with universities or colleges, 38 elementary schools, and 10 secondary schools making Richmond a very family-oriented community. With the warm climate, an abundance of jobs, diverse population, health care, emergency services, transportation infrastructure, and the inviting feel of this coastal city it is a great choice for retirement or starting a family.