Richmond is a rapidly-growing city composed of residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural areas spread over 17 islands on the Pacific Coast of British Columbia, Canada. Located in the mouth of the Fraser River, with a breathtaking mountain backdrop, Richmond is in close proximity to both downtown Vancouver and the United States.
As the home of Vancouver International Airport, Richmond represents a major transportation centre and premier gateway between North America and Asia. In addition to the airport, two seaports, two railway lines and two major freeways connect the City to its immediate neighbours and the world.
Richmond enjoys a temperate climate and receives 30% less rain than Vancouver. Over half of the City’s total area is composed of farmland, parkland and natural areas, featuring 100 parks totaling 1400 acres, with an additional 200 acres of recreational trails. Through its rapid development, the City of Richmond works hard to preserve this natural beauty and heritage.
Richmond is populated by a multi-ethnic mix of 188,000 people, of which 60% are of Chinese or South Asian descent. In 2007, Statscan reported that Richmond residents enjoy the greatest life expectancy in all of Canada, with the lowest smoking and obesity rates in the country. The economy supports over 100,000 jobs in various sectors such as retailing, airport services, fishing, government, and high-tech industries.
The City of Richmond has won numerous awards in city management and innovation and prides itself on providing residents with an array of recreational and cultural amenities. The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association recognized the City with an Award of Excellence for its continued development of Terra Nova Rural Park. Other notable achievements include the $1.2M Steveston Water Park, the first accessible playground, King George Park, and the Richmond Park Restoration Program.
The first people to inhabit Richmond were believed to be the Coast Salish, who set up temporary camps and moved from year to year as they fished and collected berries on the islands. European settlers arrived in the 1860s and settled mostly near the river, which connected Richmond with New Westminster, and provided a foundation for the city’s strong fishing and agriculture industries.
The rich soil and fishing made capable by the Fraser River have played a major role in Richmond’s development. Dykes, bridges and other fixtures were needed, which would require the establishment of a municipality. Richmond was incorporated on November 10, 1879, and became a city on December 3, 1990.
Since the initial painstaking work of settlers to cultivate the unruly riverfront land, Richmond’s agricultural and fishing industries have grown to be diverse and remarkable. Richmond has become known for its berry crop, and also for its internationally famous fishing bounty. Numerous canneries sprung up along the river in the 1880s and attracted migrant workers of First Nations, Japanese and Chinese descent.
Richmond is also known as the centre of aviation for British Columbia. The first flight of the province took place at Minoru Racetrack. The City’s first airport was located on Lulu Island, moving to Sea Island, the current location of Vancouver International Airport (YVR), in 1931. An important gateway to the Pacific Rim, the airport has been a major influence in the City’s rapid development.
As an official Host City, Richmond is committed to thriving with the spirit of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Every measure will be taken to ensure all residents have a positive and memorable Olympic experience, the local economy is stimulated, and Richmond’s profile as a city worthy of international standing is elevated. The Games will represent the beginning of a new era in health, wellness and recognition for the City of Richmond.
During the Games, the City will be transformed into an amalgamation of Olympic spirit, community pride, art, excitement and fun. Every inch of the City will be alive with activity, as international visitors join the citizens and volunteers in celebrating the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
The Richmond Oval will become a permanent new dimension, drawing visitors, residents and passers-by with its stunning aesthetic appeal. It will be a centre of excellence blending sport, fitness, art and culture, while dramatically enhancing the caliber of health and wellness in Richmond.
