Richmond, British Columbia, is a vibrant city located in the coastal Lower Mainland region of Canada. It is nestled between the two estuarine distributaries of the Fraser River, occupying almost the entirety of Lulu Island. Richmond's unique geography includes the adjacent Sea Island, home to the Vancouver International Airport, and several smaller islands and uninhabited islets. The city is a neighbor to Vancouver and Burnaby to the north, New Westminster and Annacis Island to the east, Delta to the south, and the Strait of Georgia to the west.
The indigenous Coast Salish peoples were the first to inhabit the area of modern-day Richmond. Today, the city is a multicultural hub, with Asian Canadians making up almost three-fourths of the population. Richmond is composed of eight local neighborhoods: Sea Island, City Centre, Thompson, West Richmond, Steveston, South Arm, East Richmond, and Hamilton. As of 2022, the city has an estimated population of 230,584 people.
The city's history is steeped in mystery and intrigue, with no definitive account of how Richmond was named. However, several theories suggest connections to early settlers from Richmond, Surrey, England, and Richmond, Yorkshire, England. The city was incorporated as The Township of Richmond on 10 November 1879 and was designated as a City on 3 December 1990.
Richmond is made up of most of the islands in the Fraser River delta, with Lulu Island being the largest and most populated. The city also includes the fishing village of Steveston and Burkeville, which shares Sea Island with the airport. Richmond's geographical location provides rich, alluvial soil for agriculture, making it one of the first areas in British Columbia to be farmed by Europeans in the 19th century.
Richmond enjoys an oceanic climate, with mild to warm summer temperatures and less rainfall than neighboring Vancouver. The city's population is diverse, with a significant immigrant population. Richmond is also home to two of the largest Buddhist temples in North America, the International Buddhist Temple and the Ling Yen Mountain Temple.
Richmond is a cultural melting pot, with residents identifying with various ethnic or cultural origins. The city has a significant Asian population, including individuals of Chinese, Indian, Filipino, and Japanese descent. The city's linguistic diversity is also notable, with English, Cantonese, and Mandarin being the most commonly spoken languages.
Richmond is a hub of arts and culture, hosting annual events like the Steveston Salmon Festival and the Richmond Maritime Festival. The city also boasts a vibrant arts community, with the Richmond Arts Coalition hosting numerous indoor and outdoor art exhibitions throughout the year.
The city is home to 140 public parks and 14 public recreation facilities, offering an extensive trail system for outdoor enthusiasts.
Richmond is well-connected by a system of bridges and tunnels to neighboring cities. The city is served by two freeways, Highway 99 and Highway 91, and public transportation is provided by TransLink. The Canada Line, a SkyTrain rail line, connects Richmond to Downtown Vancouver and other points in between.
Vancouver International Airport, located on Sea Island, provides most of the air access to the region.
Richmond has established sister city relationships with Pierrefonds-Roxboro in Canada, Wakayama in Japan, and Xiamen in China. Since 2008, the city also maintains a friendship city relationship with Qingdao, China.
Richmond, British Columbia, is a city that beautifully blends history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a unique experience for residents and visitors alike.
