Richmond Area Info.

With a population of over 181,942 people, Richmond is a growing dynamic urban centre with a unique mix of residential, and commercial property, agricultural lands, industrial parks, waterways and natural areas. It lies where the River meets the ocean. The shores surrounding Richmond create an estuary border that provides habitat for fish and for migrating birds on the Pacific Flyway between the Arctic and South America.

Richmond has undergone enormous change over the last several decades, with significant growth in the early 1990's. Today, Richmond is a dynamic, multiethnic community. Much of the recent population growth has been made up of Asian immigrants. People of Chinese or South Asian ancestry now represent nearly sixty percent of Richmond residents. Newcomers have contributed significantly to the growth of the small business and retail sectors and have added to the diversity and vibrancy of the City of Richmond.

Public Amenities

Richmond is known throughout the Vancouver region for its quality Parks & Recreation facilities, and Culture & Heritage facilities. Richmond has over 90 parks that total approximately 1400 acres in area and an additional 200 acres in a recreational trail system plus a wide variety of recreational amenities, including pools, arenas, community centres, tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, golf courses, lacrosse boxes, running tracks and playing fields. The City also maintains a system of interconnecting perimeter dyke trails which provide for a variety of recreational opportunities as well as scenic views of the north shore mountains and natural and historic areas. Cultural facilities include libraries, a performing arts theatre, art gallery, arts centre, museums, archives and heritage sites.

Amidst the recent rapid change, the community has continued to place a priority on protecting farmland, preserving its heritage and protecting the natural environment. Among the popular sites for experiencing Richmond's unique environmental and cultural heritage are Garry Point Park with its beaches and estuary habitat, Britannia Heritage Shipyard, Gulf of Georgia Cannery and London Heritage Farm.

Climate

Richmond enjoys a temperate west coast climate. Unlike other parts of Canada the west coast gets little or no snow most winters, and because of Richmond's distance from the mountains, our average rainfall (1112.6mm or 43.8 in.) is 30% less than Vancouver's.

While Richmond does not experience extreme temperatures, weather conditions can change quickly. We recommend the layered look for visiting the west coast, so that you can add or remove layers as needed.

History

Richmond was incorporated as a municipality November 10, 1879. Richmond was designated as a City on December 3, 1990.

Threshing at Woodward's Landing Richmond's islands were built up and shaped by the mighty Fraser River and it is the river that has shaped our growth. The fishery and the rich delta soil provided by the river has been the basis for our economy and industrial development. Richmond's history is rooted in fishing, agriculture, shipping, aviation, and later in manufacturing, service and technological industries.

Information from the City of Richmond