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.
Builder alert! This nearly half acre parcel offers tremendous opportunity for redevelopment potential. The applied zoning for RAM3 allows for up to 6 stories and 90 units building site. Can rent or sell, 8.5% return rate. School catchment: Errington Elementary, Steveston-London SecondaryMore details
Very rare 51.34 acres farmland in Richmond, next to industry, golf course, highway. Great potential for future development. Mainly land value. House is still livable. The property is rented to a farm and at least 48 hours notice for showings. DO NOT walk on the property without presence of listing agent.More details
World Class Masterpiece estate set on 1.5 acres Lot. Truly One of A Kind. This magnificent mansion featuring total living space of 16,000 sq ft, grand foyer with circular stairs, 8 spacious bedrooms, 11 bathroom, indoor swimming pool, pool table, Gym with sauna&steam shower, fully equipped theater, large game room, Tea Room, Huge Wine Cellar, gorgeous main kitchen, generously wok kitchen with pantry, an elevator, 6-car garage (including a RV Garage), 2 Laundry room, beautifully landscaped garden with Kid play area. Luxurious layout and elegant details, best quality materials and dedicated workmanship throughout. Marble Floor and Jade light and Jade wall throughout. Make it truly a world-class property. School Catchment Homma Elementary and McMath Secondary.More details
An exquisite luxury residence crafted by renowned builder Villa Development in Broadmoor heart of Richmond.This exceptional home showcases unrivaled artistry and meticulous attention to detail.Situated with 5944sqft house on 15840sqft land well known beautiful Lucas road.Centre of Richmond (New Richmond Luxury Heart)Spacious living spaces with 6en-suited bedrooms and 7 bathrooms.Every element has been carefully curated,from the inviting swimming pool to the gourmet kitchen adorned with top-of-the-line Gaggenau appliances,La Cornue Stove.Real Marbel,Italy wallpaper and Tiles,Amazing theater room,Schonbek lights,Nice Cabinetry,3-car Garage,A/C,smart security system,2-5-10 warranty.Experience the perfect fusion of luxury,elegance,and serenity in this exceptional residence.More details
This elegant 3 acres brand NEW city convenience with country feel in central Richmond - McLennan area. This 3-acre parcel includes a main property of 1.31 acres with custom brand new built 4000+ soft. home with 6 bedrooms plus a den, 6 1/2 bathrooms, hot water radiant heating, PLUS 2 adjacent lots, total 1.7 acres. Zoned Agricultural 1. Close to Henry Anderson Elementary/ AR MacNeill Secondary, Garden City Park and shopping. Granville Avenue, a street of grand executive homes, offers a peaceful country-like setting and easily access hwy 91 & 99. Excellent location! It’s rare in the market, act fast, pleasant to show!More details
COUNTRY LIVING WITH CITY CONVENIENCES. Rarely Available and very Unique properties offering 2 Parcels totaling 20 Acres (19.8 & .2 acres) Farm with 2 Titles and 2 Homes must be sold together, Both homes have been recently renovated. This Exceptional opportunity is for the right buyers who want a country lifestyle to be their own boss and can do a variety of farming from vegetables, Berries, Nurseries, Greenhouses, Vertical farming, etc. The property is close to Mayfair Lake Golf Course, Lulu Island Winery, Mountain View, and easy access to Vancouver, Surrey/Delta, and YVR Airport. Don't miss this Great Opportunity to Buy this 2 side x side parcel of land to build your farm and Build your Dream Homes. Don't miss out on these Properties with Views of Van/Bby & North Shore Mountains.More details
Absolutely stunning, stately, spacious and proud brand new home in Woodwards area with 5,939SF area. Situated in a quiet, private and safe setting cul-on a huge 14,262SF lot. Beautiful curb appeal. Fenced & gated with attractive stone and stucco finish. 3 car garage and plenty of space to park many more cars. 5 bedrooms (with 1 bdrm on main) 5 1/2 washrooms. Huge family room. Open library up, living, dining, 2 kitchens, 2 laundries (main & above), media room, office, sauna, wine cellar. 4 bdrms have walk in closets and each bedroom has an ensuite. Top of the line appliances, HRV, A/C, sprinkler system, security system, built in vacuum. A delightful back yard with a massive (2000 SF)patio for all your outdoor entertainment. Close to shopping, schools & transit. A home for a discerning Buyer. View anytime.More details
RARE—Discover a bespoke custom home across nearly 2 acres, showcasing over 9,000 sq. ft. of lavish living space. Enter a world of grandeur through a majestic foyer, highlighted by an iconic floating staircase. Beyond, a sanctuary for entertainment unfolds: a chef's dream kitchen, a warm family room, and a patio complete with a built-in BBQ, all curated for unforgettable soirees. The elegant living and dining rooms, alongside a refined piano alcove, radiate sophistication. Revel in top-tier finishes: marble floors, cambria countertops, and sub-zero refrigerators. The cinematic home theater, stylish bar, and chilled walk-in wine cellar set the stage for lavish evenings. Each of the 5 expansive bedrooms boasts a beautiful ensuite. Experience luxury firsthand, book your private tour today!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 ofr 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
A truly Grand Mansion with more than half acre lot and over 11,OOOsqft home! House blends the modern luxury at its finest, an amazing double circular staircase, a full size home theater & entertainment room with wet Bar. There is also separated suite on the main floor with its own kitchen, family room, dining room and bedroom and bathroom, is perfect for extended family or rent out. Detached four car garage separate with the house. Too many details to describe, come to surprise yourself. Proud to show!More details