The City of Richmond on the coast of British Columbia, Canada, part of the Metro Vancouver area, occupies all of Lulu Island in the Fraser River Delta except the small New Westminster portion upriver and all of Sea Island, site of Vancouver International Airport, across a river channel to the northwest between Richmond and the City of Vancouver. Vancouver and Burnaby are neighbors across the river to the north, New Westminster to the east, and Delta across another channel of the river to the south. The ocean as the Strait of Georgia is to the west. Burkeville on Sea Island next to the airport and Steveston in the southwest corner of Lulu Island were independent villages before they became parts of Richmond
Richmond’s 2011 Census population of 190,473 ranks it fourth in Metro Vancouver and in the province behind Vancouver, Surrey, and Burnaby. At 60 percent, mostly Chinese, Richmond is the North American city with the largest proportion of Asians, more than half, many of whom have immigrated from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mainland China since the early 1990s.
Geography and Hydrography
Richmond has plenty of rich, alluvial soil for farming, but the land is ever prone to floods at high tides and especially when the river crests at high levels during seasons of heavy snowfalls. As a safeguard, a system of dykes now surrounds the major islands to hold back and divert such inundations that can cause catastrophic damage, so although farming had a fast start with dairy, grain, vegetables, and berries as staples in Richmond’s flat terrain of rich, fertile soil, it was necessary to clear, drain, and dyke the land to protect it from flooding and make it safe for successful farming. Today, the British Columbia Agricultural Land Reserve sets most of eastern Richmond aside for farming. Cranberries and blueberries are the principal crops. Other staples are strawberries, corn, and potatoes. In 2001 about 47 percent of British Columbia’s cranberry farm acreage was in Richmond.
The groundwater table is high, so very few homes have basements and very few buildings are more than three storeys high. The proximity of the airport limits building height to 150 feet.
History
In November 1879 the Township of Richmond became an incorporated municipality though not as a city until December 1990. The first town hall was near the main settlement on the northwestern tip of Lulu Island at North Arm.
In the 1870s, salmon canning became a major industry in the fishing village of Steveston. By the 1890s, there were nearly 50 canneries, and many ships docked in Steveston to take on big loads of canned salmon. Boatbuilding thrived too. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site in Steveston displays the city’s canning history in an 1894 waterfront facility with a museum.
Richmond connects to Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, and Delta by bridges and tunnels. Three bridges connect Lulu Island to Sea Island and the airport, one bridge connects Sea Island to Vancouver, two connect Lulu Island to Vancouver, one connects eastern Lulu Island to Burnaby and New Westminster, and one bridge and an underwater tunnel connect Richmond to Delta.
Richmond has two high-speed freeways, Highway 99, which includes the tunnel to Delta and ends at Interstate 5 at the USA border, and Highway 91, which starts in Richmond’s Garden City Lands, runs eastward to New Westminster, then turns southward, crosses the river into Delta, and joins Highway 99 a few miles from the international border. SkyTrain service connects both central Richmond and the airport to Downtown Vancouver.
Hamilton is the hidden gem of Richmond. The site is over 2 acres of prime development land close to major access route, schools, shopping and other new developments. This 60-unit development soon to be permit ready consolidation containing 4 properties is far along in the development cycle with the hard work already done. The site will contain a mixture of townhouse units which are interlocking and with rooftop decks. The property is zoned and DP will be issued in April 2022. Preloading has started on site. BP has been submitted and will be issued later in 2022. The property will yield 60-townhouse units. All development related documents can be made available to prospective qualified purchasers.More details
COUNTRY ESTATE in Richmond's Southlands. Country living with city conveniences, Once in a lifetime opportunity to own this Luxury Home with 27 Acres in prime serene settings sought-after area. This custom-built home features 6 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms, and over 7500 sqft of luxury living. Exceptional workmanship, design & craftsmanship throughout. Entertain your guests in living, dining, family and media rooms. Gourmet kitchen with a center island and enjoy the views of the outdoor pool & private and manicured backyard for summer parties. Gleaming hardwood floors throughout on main, radiant heating, Alarm HRV, Games room above plus caretaker suite with separate entrance, 1400 sqft 4 car garages, walking distance to the Dyke, Farm Views.More details
One of the most impressively manicured gardens in Richmond's famous estate homes neighborhood. Nature rock pillars gated entrance and a long glorious old maple treed driveway welcomes you to the home passing sprawling lawns, stunning matured garden with two ponds full of birds in the morning, fruit garden with the fairytale-themed wood cottage, rock boulders, and sculptures. In between the tranquil matured forest trail surrounding the beautiful landscape presents an 8000 plus sqft custom designed home with luxury farm estate living. Grand entry foyer with magnificent gleaming chandelier, state of art solarium tropical garden overlooking a resort-style outdoor pool, gallery-like family room with a remarkable granite fireplace, etc. must see!More details
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! A great development potential! A perfect lot for your dream house! Such a huge rectangle 152' x 1260' piece of blueberry farm land located in the center of Richmond City (very rare on this non-busy street). FACING SOUTH with fabulous NORTH SHORE MOUNTAIN VIEW, quiet, exquisite, bright garden. Don't miss the chance to get this lot and build your dream house!More details
Deluxe mansion in the prestigious area Broadmoor ! North facing home w/ 5164 sq ft of luxurious living space. 16'4 high ceiling in the Family, Living / Dining Rooms, the Entry and Nook area. 10' high ceiling throughout main floor and 9' on the second floor. Extensive use of superior materials w/ good quality craftsmanship. Exquisite crown moulding & finishing. Amazingly landscaped, this beautiful 13,260 sqft lot is quiet and perfectly located. All the features you would expect; A/C, HRV, top stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, sprinkler and security system, central vacuum, remote access smart system & much more. Call now to view!!More details
Quality custom build home over 17,000 SF on approx. 3 acres of land, luxury design an absolute masterpiece with no expense spared with very detailed design and construction in Richmond. Real wood doors and casings throughout the home, tiles, marble, granite and extensive jaw dropping woodwork throughout the home. Gorgeous staircase in front entry with feature chandelier and a foyer. Elevator is a real bonus. Enjoy the indoor swimming pool for year round use. Must view to truly appreciate. Close to schools, shopping malls, golf course and airport. Excellent opportunity, Must see!More details
Listed by Nu Stream Realty Inc.
and LeHomes Realty
This magnificent mansion sitting on a 14,783 sf lot, featuring with totally 5,778 sf living space, luxurious custom build French Chateau on prestigious Gibbons Drive. Classic World elegance w/rich oak hardwood and marble floors, lavish use of European stone, 6 spacious bedrooms, 8 baths, with sauna , theatre , gourmet kitchen with island & high-end cabinet, appliances, beautifully landscaped garden with cellar, high-tech media and security systems. A/C, radiant heating and HRV. Best quality materials and most prestigious neighbourhood in Richmond. School catchment: Burnett Secondary & Thompson Elementary.More details
A spectacular masterpiece located in Richmond's most prestigious neighbourhood of Broadmoor. Impressive quality & finishing in the contemporary 4491 sqft home situated on a huge 10603 sqft lot. Enjoy the 2 expansive master bedrooms and 2 other lovely bedrooms on the upper level, in addition to the guest bedroom on the main floor all with ensuite. Complete home automation system with eight security cameras, subzero fridges, Wolf stove, Miele coffee machine, sleek high-end cabinet, Cavali tiles, beautiful flooring and charming lighting, all the perfect accessories for the ideal home. Central location and great school catchment: Errington Elementary & Steveston-London Secondary.More details
Location, Location, Location! A great house located at "Sunnymede Area-Broadmoor" which known as the best area in Richmond. A huge 5200 sqf well maintained house on a 9445 sqf lot offers 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. It was one of the most luxury house when it was built. Air conditioner, radiant heat, home theater, wet bar, game room, and everything you need! Master bathroom with Jacuzzi, huge dressing room closet and dressing area. Security system and video cameras are all around the house. Ferris Elementary and London Secondary School, top school area.More details
GORGEOUS *MUST SEE* Quality & Beauty. Stunning custom home built by High Reputation Luxury house builder, Situated with 4844 sqft house on 12013 sqft lot well known beautiful Quilchena Area, quieter granville avenue, Favorable Huge South-facing back garden (over 180 feet depth backayard)with fantastic landscaping,Spacious living spaces with 5 en-suited bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. It offers functional media room, gourmet kitchen with Top High-end Appliances Miele, Real Marbel,Nice Cabinetry, A/C,smart security system, HRV,electric curtains,buildin surround sound,2-5-10 Warranty.Close to shopping center, community center.A pleasure to Show!More details