Affordable Housing
The City of Richmond recognizes that a range of housing choices is essential in creating a diverse, inclusive and livable community in Richmond.
Affordable Housing Strategy
Approved in March 2018, the City of Richmond Affordable Housing Strategy guides the City’s involvement in addressing the affordable housing needs of Richmond residents. The strategy identifies a range of priority groups, including families, seniors, one-person households, persons with disabilities and individuals experiencing homelessness.
The Affordable Housing Strategy 2021 Update provides a high-level summary of what the City and community partners achieved regarding affordable housing in 2021.
Housing Needs Report
On an ongoing basis, the City of Richmond monitors key trends related to affordable housing. The 2021 Housing Needs Report provides a summary of housing needs for Richmond residents. This report will inform the development of future housing policies and programs.
Low-End Market Rental Program
In 2007, the City launched the Low-End Market Rental housing program, which has achieved significant success by securing more than 1,000 new affordable housing units for low and moderate income households in Richmond. Additional information is provided in bulletin Info-60 Low-End Market Rental (LEMR) Program Requirements.
Affordable Housing Projects
The City of Richmond continues to work in partnership with the provincial and federal governments, local housing providers and the private sector to increase the supply of affordable housing for Richmond households. Visit the Housing Projects page for more information.
Finding Affordable Housing
The City of Richmond publishes the Affordable Housing Guide, which provides a comprehensive list of affordable housing options in Richmond.
Housing Priorities Grant Program
Richmond City Council endorsed a one-off $10 million Housing Priorities Grant Program on November 25, 2024. The Program uses federal funding from the Housing Accelerator Fund to accelerate the development approval of more than 220 affordable rental homes in Richmond. The initiative focuses on reducing cost barriers and ensuring a greater supply of affordable housing for those in need.
Application forms and eligibility information will be available when the program launches in January 2025. For more information, view the Council Report on the Housing Priorities Grant Program or contact the Housing Office at affordablehousing@richmond.ca.
Resources for Non-Profits and Developers
Enhanced Accessibility Design Guidelines
Modest Market Rental Rates for the West Cambie Area Plan of the Official Community Plan (Council Policy 5004)
Group Homes in Richmond outlines Richmond's policy framework and requirements for group homes.
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Awards
The City of Richmond has won multiple awards for its affordable housing initiatives. In 2015, the Kiwanis Towers project received the UBCM Award for Excellence in Innovation and Partnership. In 2018, Storeys received the Award for Planning Excellence in Social Planning from the Canadian Institute of Planners.
Important Link
Bulletin Info-60 Low-End Market (LEMR) Program Requirements
Greg Newman
Manager, Affordable Housing
Housing Office
affordablehousing@richmond.ca 604-204-8648