|
|
History
Richmond was incorporated as a municipality November 10, 1879. Richmond was designated as a City on December 3, 1990.
Richmond's islands were built up and shaped by the mighty Fraser River and it is the river that has shaped the city's growth. The fishery and the rich delta soil provided by the river has been the basis for the economy and industrial development. Richmond's history is rooted in fishing, agriculture, shipping, aviation, and later in manufacturing, service and technological industries.
Richmond is a land of many peoples. First Nations people were the first to come to the islands to fish and collect berries. The Coast Salish bands were known to have set up temporary camps, and they are said to have had year-long dwellings on the islands which were scattered and moved from year to year. There are also reports of villages that existed at one time near Steveston and on Sea Island.
The first European settlers to this area were farmers in the 1860s. The pattern of early settlement was oriented to the river, since it was easier to get around by boat than to cross the low-lying, often boggy interior areas of Lulu Island. The Fraser River also provided transport access to Richmond from the nearby City of New Westminster.
The need to build dykes was a significant factor in causing the early settlers to petition the Lieutenant Governor-in-Council to grant status as a municipality to Richmond in 1879. Local government was a necessity if dykes, roads, bridges, and other services were to be developed and maintained. This early start means that Richmond is seven years older than its neighbouring city, Vancouver.
The abundance of the fishery attracted many more people. From the early 1880s, Richmond's fishing fleets brought their catches home to be processed in one of the numerous canneries that sprang up all along the river. This industry did more than bring fish to market: related industries such as boat-building also thrived.
The vitality of the fishing industry attracted Japanese fishermen to Richmond, adding not just to the industry but to the richness of the community. The growing cannery and boat building industries brought more migrant workers to the area. Among these were First Nations people and the Chinese contract workers who originally came to British Columbia to build the railway. Steveston, in particular, became the centre of the fishing industry, gaining international fame for the quality and bounty of its canned salmon. Despite the pressures of changing times, Steveston has survived as a unique, diverse community that maintains strong ties with the sea.
Richmond is often seen as a new community because it has seen such dramatic growth over the last few decades, but you do not have to look far to see the factors that have shaped its history. The land, the river, and the sea made Richmond unique over a century ago, and this is still true today.
Richmond was, and is, the centre of aviation in British Columbia. The first flight in B.C. was made on March 25, 1910, from Minoru Racetrack. The first airport for Vancouver was on Richmond's Lulu Island. Not much more than a grass field and some small service buildings near what is now Alexandra Road and Garden City Way, the airport remained there until the move to Richmond's Sea Island in 1931.
In recent history, the airport has been a major factor in Richmond's ongoing development. Proximity to the airport has helped attract a large number of manufacturing and high technology industries to Richmond. Vancouver International Airport has become an important gateway between Canada and other Pacific Rim countries.
Location
Richmond comprises most of the islands in the Fraser River delta, the largest and most populated island being Lulu Island (the eastern tip of which forms the Queensborough neighbourhood, which is actually part of the neighbouring city of New Westminster). The next largest island, Sea Island, is home to the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). In addition to the Lulu and Sea Islands, 13 smaller islands make up the city's 129.66 square kilometres (50.1 sq mi) land area. The former village of Steveston takes up the far southwest corner of the city.
The city's neighbouring municipalities are Vancouver and Burnaby to the north, New Westminster to the east, and Delta to the south, with the Strait of Georgia on the west.
Places to See
- Minoru Park
Serene gardens, a lake, and a chapel make this a delightful refuge in downtown Richmond.
- Richmond Art Galley, Arts Centre, and Museum
In the heart of downtown, the Art Gallery, the Arts Centre, and the Museum form the core of the city's thriving arts and cultural community.
- Richmond Nature Park and Nature House
A preserved bog environment and wildlife displays, and exhibits on Westminster Highway.
- Steveston Historic Fishing Village
Take a glimpse at the rich history of the west coast fishing industry. Stroll through the village shops, and visit the many historic sites in the area. Visit two official national historic sites, the Britannia Heritage Shipyard Park (site of the award-winning Murakami House), and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. Stop into to see the little Steveston Museum, and be sure to see Historic Tram #1220. Of course a trip to Steveston won't be complete without fish and chips on the wharf and a walk through Garry Point Park.
- Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS
Situated atop wooden pilings over the Fraser River, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is one of the few remaining 19th century salmon canneries on the BC coast. It commemorates the development of Canada's West Coast fishing industry from the 1870s to the present.
Things to Do
- Visit the Richmond Night Market
Experience the Richmond Night Market Summer Festival and feel the rush as you indulge in browsing and shopping from over 350 merchants' stalls. This unique mixture of multi-Asian and Western elements is held on weekends from mid-May through September.
- Shopping
The latest fashions, an assortment of uniquely Canadian products, and goods imported from the four corners of the earth, can all be found in the Richmond shopping districts. There are at least nine shopping centres along No. 3 Road, including three major malls, and the Golden Village, a district made up of contemporary Asian shopping centres, catering to local residents and international visitors. The Public Market on Westminster Highway offers a feast for your senses, with 75 shops set in a lively atmosphere filled with fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and gifts.
Richmond also has a concentration of shopping areas catering to homeowners looking for furniture, appliances, and home accessories. Many of these can be found on Bridgeport Road and some are on No. 3 Road.
- Explore the Trails
Find your path to better health and active living. Walk, run or cycle along any trail and take in the scenic beauty that surrounds the city. With eighty kilometres of trails, you can spend countless hours exploring new sights.
There is a new adventure on every trail: heritage sites that take you back to the serenity of time long past; birds, flora, and fauna, and other wildlife that share the foreshore environments, the agricultural community, and the fishing fleet.
- Fishing
McDonald Beach on Sea Island features a boat launch, a bait shop, and several picnic tables arranged on a high bank beside the Fraser River's North Arm. There's also fishing in Steveston, where a municipal pier juts out into the Fraser at Gilbert's Beach beside the South Arm Dyke Trail. Anglers can catch salmon, trout, and numerous other species from the shores of Deas Island Regional Park. The Riverside picnic area is one of the most popular areas from which to fish. A Tidal Waters Sports Fishing License is required by all anglers and is available at most fishing shops.
Events
- Steveston Salmon Festival
The people of Steveston have come together every year since 1945 to celebrate Canada's birthday and the rich heritage of the community. Thanks to the tireless efforts of hundreds of volunteers and the generous support of our sponsors, the Steveston Community Society organizes one of the largest non-profit Canada Day celebrations across the country! Over 75,000 people from across Richmond, Metro Vancouver, and the Pacific Northwest spend Canada Day at the Salmon Festival!
The day begins at 10am with a parade through historic Steveston village, which features over 100 entries, including floats, marching bands, celebrities, politicians, community groups, vintage vehicles, and much more. The Festival is officially kicked off at the Opening Ceremonies on the Main Stage at 12:30pm, with dignitaries, speeches, and the singing of O Canada. After the official opening, the stage bursts with great entertainment all afternoon.
Festival highlights include attractions such as the Japanese Cultural Show, a craft fair, a trade show, a children's festival, carnival rides, and martial arts demonstrations, Belt Sander drag races, a youth festival, a multi-ethnic food fair, and an art show.
The main attraction is the famous salmon barbecue, where over 1200 pounds of wild salmon filets are grilled over open fire pits. This popular treat sells out every year.
- Multifest
Multifest is an opportunity to celebrate East Richmond's cultural diversity through performances, activities, food vendors, and visual displays.
- Richmond Maritime Festival
Celebrate Richmond's traditional connections with the sea at the Maritime Festival. This family event at Britannia Shipyard National Historic Site will give you the opportunity to see a variety of maritme exhibits, such as knot tying, rope making, model boat building, and net mending. The whole family can enjoy live entertainment (sea songs and shanties) and participate in hands-on demonstrations. The water will showcase a floating exhibition of boats for your viewing pleasure. Many boats will be at the docks of the shipyard, including a 1930s rum-runner, historic fishing boats, and classic power and sail boats.
Contact Information
Tourism Richmond
#205 South Tower
5811 Cooney Road
Richmond, BC V6X 3M1
Toll-Free: 1-877-247-0777
Fax: 604-821-5475
E-mail: info@tourismrichmond.com
Website: www.tourismrichmond.com
City of Richmond
Hours: Monday to Friday, 6:15am to 5:00pm
6911 No. 3 Road
Richmond, BC V6Y 2C1
Telephone: 604-276-4000
Telecommunication Device for the Deaf: 604-276-4311
Website: www.richmond.ca
|
|
