Newcomers Information
Richmond is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse cities in Canada, with over 60 per cent of its population born outside the country, the highest proportion of any municipality nationwide. There are over 150 ethnic origins represented and 100 languages spoken in Richmond.
Richmond's newcomer communities contribute significantly to community vibrancy and enrichment, which makes it a great place to live, learn, work and play. If you are new to Richmond or planning your move, get started here.
Newcomer's Guide to Richmond
This guide has information to help newcomers learn more about their new community and the services available to help them settle into life in Richmond. Newcomer's Guide to Richmond - English Newcomer's Guide to Richmond - Simplified Chinese Newcomer's Guide to Richmond - Traditional Chinese Newcomer's Guide to Richmond - Ukrainian Newcomer's Guide to Richmond - Punjabi Newcomer's Guide to Richmond - Arabic Newcomer's Guide to Richmond - Farsi Newcomer's Guide to Richmond - Korean |
Newcomers Video Series
This video series features stories of newcomers who have settled in Richmond and the resources provided to them to access services in the community. There are five short videos in the series that highlight the different ways newcomers can experience Richmond:
To access English, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), Punjabi, Farsi, Arabic and Ukrainian captions, click on the closed captioning "cc" box.
Richmond is My Home – Meet some of the diverse people who call Richmond home.
Settlement Services – Learn what services local settlement organizations provide to help newcomers to Richmond adjust to their new city.
Exploring Richmond – Explore the recreational places where Richmond residents find community, like Minoru Park and the Richmond Art Gallery.
Richmond’s Heritage Places – Check out Richmond’s heritage, cultural and historic sites, such as Terra Nova Rural Park and London Heritage Farm.
Getting Involved – Find out how newcomers can become active members of the Richmond community.
Newcomers Bus Tour
The Newcomers Bus Tour program introduces newcomer residents to City facilities to learn more about civic processes, programs, and services. Each bus tour lasts up to 2.5 hours and brings participants to two City facilities such as community centres, the Richmond Public Library, and City Hall.
The program is run in collaboration with settlement or immigrant-serving organizations and is offered free of charge. Booking requests must be submitted by an organizational representative. If you are an individual interested in attending a bus tour, please connect with any of the following Richmond-based settlement and/or immigrant-serving organizations:
Richmond Multicultural Community Services
(604) 279-7160
info@rmcs.bc.ca
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Richmond
(604) 279-7180
info@success.bc.ca
Richmond School District – Settlement Workers in Schools
(604) 668-6596
swis@sd38.bc.ca
Booking Request Form
Please submit booking request forms to inclusion@richmond.ca between 4-6 weeks before your preferred tour date.
Other Resources for Newcomers
Government of Canada – Immigration and Citizenship
Learn how to apply to travel, study, work or immigrate to Canada, and apply for citizenship, a permanent resident card or refugee protection.
NewToBC – The Library Link for Newcomers
Learn about essential settlement information, volunteer opportunities with public libraries, and service provider organizations in communities across British Columbia.
Province of British Columbia - WelcomeBC
Prepare for arrival to British Columbia. Find out what steps to take in the first few days to settle in and learn about life in B.C..
Peggy Chen, Planner 2 (Inclusion)
inclusion@richmond.ca 604-276-4104