Over 4,000 residents attended a series of in-person open houses and an online consultation over the past two weeks to discuss the background and impact of recent provincial housing legislation on the City of Richmond. 

The open houses and online Let’s Talk Richmond site highlighted Bill 44, legislation imposed by the provincial government in late 2023 aimed at densifying neighbourhoods across British Columbia. In compliance, the City of Richmond was required to rezone almost 27,000 single family and duplex lots in June to allow small-scale multi-unit housing of three to six dwellings per lot, depending on lot size and proximity to frequent transit service.

“The high level of interest in these open houses and our online consultation process clearly shows that housing is an issue of interest to Richmond residents,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “While many were curious to know what the requirements of Bill 44 mean for their property, others were concerned about their neighbourhoods and how this legislation will forever change the communities they know and call home.”

Four in-person open houses at Community Centres in Steveston, Hamilton, South Arm and Thompson took place from July 9 to 17. City staff from various departments were on hand to provide information and address questions, along with display boards, handouts and a feedback form. Around 1,800 people attended those sessions.

At the same time, an online Let’s Talk Richmond consultation launched to share information and give residents the opportunity to provide feedback on density/floor area, building height, roofs, front and rear yards, parking, and other elements. More than 2,300 visitors to the site have been logged so far.  

The City encourages residents who did not attend an in-person open house to visit LetsTalkRichmond.ca before Sunday, August 11. To learn more about Bill 44 and Richmond, go to richmond.ca/NewHousingRegulations.