Public invited to provide input on re-imagining the Steveston Museum

11 February 2021

The City of Richmond is currently exploring opportunities for changes to exhibits and services at the Steveston Museum and invites the public to provide feedback on potential options. The goal of this project is to create an excellent experience for visitors at the museum, complementing the amenities currently available in Steveston.

Community members and tourism stakeholders interested in sharing feedback are encouraged to visit LetsTalkRichmond.ca to learn more and complete the online survey. The survey will be available until Sunday, March 14, 2021. Printed versions of the survey are available upon request.

“City Council and staff are committed to sustaining and developing cultural heritage and a wide range of cultural experiences and opportunities to residents and visitors,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “The Steveston Museum, the surrounding Town Square Park and Japanese Fishermen’s Benevolent Society building form an important historic destination, and we look forward to working with Steveston Historical Society, Tourism Richmond and the public to re-imagine its future.”

The Steveston Museum has occupied the Northern Bank heritage building on the corner of Moncton Street and First Avenue in Steveston since 1979. For many years, the Museum has hosted a Canada Post outlet operated by the Steveston Historical Society, and a Visitor Information Centre operated by Tourism Richmond. In 2015, the historic Japanese Fishermen’s Benevolent Society building was joined to the Museum and became home to an exhibit on the Japanese-Canadian experience in Steveston.

In recent years, in-person visitor information services in the tourism sector have evolved, and use of user-paid postal services has declined. As a result of these developments, the City is working with the Steveston Historical Society and Tourism Richmond to explore how best to continue to offer valued services to locals and visitors to Steveston at the Steveston Museum. The consultation considers the potential for new exhibits, changes to visitor information services and Post Office operations.

“Exploring new service opportunities for the Steveston Museum is an exciting undertaking – and one Tourism Richmond fully supports,” said Nancy Small, Tourism Richmond CEO. “We look forward to collaborating with our great partners, the City of Richmond and the Steveston Historical Society, and the community in the creation of a unique and distinctive space in the heart of beautiful Steveston.”

“The Society is keen to ensure its members and the community are involved and find the Museum space relevant,” said Linda Barnes, Chair of the Steveston Historical Society. “Taking time to ask how we can serve our community better is important.”

For more information or assistance, email stevestonmuseum@richmond.ca or call 604-238-8037.