Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF)
The City of Richmond has been awarded the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) by Public Safety Canada to address the prevalence of gun and gang issues. The City of Richmond’s is working with community partners to develop and deliver programs to address the root causes of youth violence and promote individual and community well – being.
The City of Richmond’s three Building Safer Communities plan pillars are:
- Building awareness, engagement and education
- Strengthening prevention and intervention programs
- Enhancing coordination, capability and capacity for youth services
The March 2026 final evaluation of Richmond's Building Safer Communities Fund found that the three-pillar strategy produced measurable, positive outcomes for the City's at-risk youth.
Through Touchstone Family Association, the program's Risk Interrupters worked one-on-one with at-risk youth, with intake and follow-up survey data showing reductions in antisocial behaviour and criminal activity, alongside gains in self-image, school engagement, and prosocial activity. Interviewed clients consistently described the experience as transformative, citing stabilized school attendance, reduced substance use, healthier family and peer relationships, and entry into employment and training pathways that include careers under The Workforce Readiness Initiative. The independent evaluators concluded that the foundational work completed under BSCF positions Richmond to continue these gains through the City-led sustainability plan launching after the Fund concludes on March 31, 2026.
For more information, read Richmond’s BSCF final evaluation report.
BSCF Partners & Programs
The City of Richmond and its community partners aim to increase awareness and education on youth violence, provide one-on-one youth mentorship, offer access to prosocial activities and counselling, enhance access to develop media literacy skills, and deliver workforce development skills.
City of Richmond
Arts and Culture - Richmond Youth Media Lab
Drop-in space for youth to gain media literacy skills through structured skill building and mentorship sessions. Visit the Media Lab page to learn more.
Parks and Recreation - Community Centre Microhubs
Microhubs at City Centre Community Centre, South Arm Community Centre and Cambie Community Centre are safe, welcoming and inclusive drop-in space for youth with opportunities to engage in prosocial activities and access drop-in resources. Visit the Youth Activities page to learn more.
Key Document
City of Richmond BSCF Strategy
Touchstone Family Association
Youth Empowerment Initiative
Youth in grades five through seven are connected with prosocial role models to build positive relationships to enhance their social and emotional learning.
StreetSmarts Youth Mentorship Program
Adult mentors provide an individualized, positive, supportive and non-judgemental space for at-risk youth between the ages of 12 and 24 years old.
Clinical Counselling
Counsellors use a trauma informed approach to provide counselling for at-risk youth between the ages of 12 to 24 years old.
Workforce Readiness Initiative
Youth are provided with employment-related support such as job readiness skills, resume development, interview preparation, workplace communication skills and vocational training to secure employment.
Visit the Touchstone Family Association website to learn more.
Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) BC
End Gang Life (EGL)
Youth and service providers have access to EGL’s Myths and Realities video series, Streetlights comic book series and Understanding Youth in Gangs booklets to raise awareness and educate youth on gang involvement.
Visit the End Gang Life website to learn more.
Contact
For details on how to access these programs or services, contact any of the Building Safer Community Fund partners listed above or the City contact listed below.
Kiran Shergill
BSCF@richmond.ca 604-818-9549
Sponsor
