Historic Steveston Village, now a section of the City of Richmond, British Columbia, is a former Canadian salmon canning centre at the mouth of the Fraser River on Lulu Island. Since 1945 it has hosted an annual Steveston Salmon Festival on Canada Day, 1 July.
The Early Days
Manoah Steves arrived with his family in 1878 from Moncton, New Brunswick by way of Chatham, Ontario as the first to settle in the area. The town site, which became Steveston in 1889, had numerous canneries by the 1890s. In 1880, Manoah’s son William Herbert Steves had bought land to develop a town that he hoped would grow into a seaport to rival Vancouver. The British Army Engineers helped him lay out the lots and squares. By 1890, Steveston had a steamboat wharf, an opera house, hotels, retail stores, a newspaper, and a hospital. Each summer throngs of seasonal fishermen and cannery workers joined the growing population of year-round villagers. Fishing supported boatbuilding, and sailing ships from around many parts docked at the harbour to load cargoes of canned salmon.
By 1912, however, with automated fish processing demand for labor decreased, and the town’s population declined quickly. Canning as a part of the local economy finally faded out in the 1990s. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery, built in 1894 and at one time the largest in British Columbia, reopened in 1994 as a National Historic Site of Canada. The present post office, museum, and tourist information centre was once a branch of the Royal Bank of Canada. The Steveston Historical Society has operated the museum since 1979 in the 1905 building that had been first the bank and then a doctor’s office.
Post-war Steveston developed along with Richmond into a residential suburb of Vancouver as farmland converted to housing. Since the 1970s the community, still a fishing port, has developed its heritage character and its waterfront to attract tourism and related service businesses.
Film Productions
Picturesque Steveston is a frequent location for feature films and television programs. It was a stand-in for Marblehead, Massachusetts in the 2010 film adaptation of The Death and Life of Charlie St Cloud and the scene of fictional Steveston, Maine in the TV movie A Cooler Climate. It has been a location for the X-Files series as Steveston, Massachusetts and in a Stargate SG-1 episode as Steveston, Oregon. Steveston storefronts and business façades along Moncton Street near the cannery form the cinematic set for the television series Once Upon A Time. The 2014 remake of Godzilla filmed some scenes in Steveston on the same street locations as those for Once Upon a Time.
Today Steveston still maintains the character of a quaint, historic fishing village. Over 350 businesses and services accommodate a growing population. Steveston in 2002 was the site of a rendezvous of hundreds of restored tall sailing ships that attracted 400,000 to the dramatic spectacle along the coastline.
The canneries are gone, but Steveston is nevertheless home port to a large fishing fleet of over 600 vessels. Steveston remains a fishing village with tourism expanding quickly as an economic driver. The village retains a pleasantly tranquil atmosphere even with thousands of visitors on the streets on sunny summer days. Two National Historic Sites of Canada, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery and Britannia Heritage Shipyard Park, are colorful reminders of its maritime past.
Best Community in Greater Van! Steps to Steveston Village that includes Steveston Community Center, library, park, the village, Boardwalk, schools, cafes, restaurants, water, and more! Enjoy the convenient and relaxing atmosphere. Plus, it's easy to access the airport and Vancouver! The house has vaulted ceilings in the living room and three huge bedrooms. The rooms feel much bigger than the measurements. Major Renovation in 2019 including All bedrooms & bathrooms, Kitchen cabinets, Appliances, Flooring and Carpet, New Windows and painting; Newer roof (2015), gutters (2015), Furnace (2016), H/W tank (2015), fence (2015). Elementary school: Tomekichi Homma (including French Immersion) Don't miss this beautiful house! April 13 & 14 2:00-4:00pm.More details
Absolutely fabulous! Completely renovated (with permits). Over 2400 sq.ft. 4 large bedrooms and games room. Owners redesigned the main floor to create an open, bright and family friendly kitchen with high end appliances and finishing. Viking gas range, large island, quartz countertops. All bathrooms redone as are the gas fireplaces and feature walls. High efficiency furnace. New windows, exterior siding and stacked slate make this home as attractive outside as it is inside. Large back yard in Richmond's best neighborhood. A short stroll to Steveston waterfront and shops. Walking distance to Diefenbaker Elementary, McMath High School, St. Joseph the Worker Private School. Personal showings on this very special family home. Call for appointments or ask your Realtor to book via Touchbase.More details
This charming house, a first-time market offering, has been cherished by a single owner throughout its history. Nestled in Richmond's most serene and peaceful neighborhood, this 2168 sqft gem has undergone thoughtful renovations over the years. Its south-facing backyard, complete with a spacious patio, is ideal for gardening. The home boasts a newer roof, new doors and windows, durable vinyl siding boards, a heat pump air conditioning system, a granite gourmet kitchen, and stainless steel appliances. The ground floor features an open-plan dining and living area. Upstairs, you'll find four spacious bedrooms and two large bathrooms. Conveniently located within walking distance to the West Richmond playground, the property is in the catchment area for Diefenbaker Elementary and Boyd SecondaryMore details
Experience the awe-inspiring Feng Shui garden entrance of this unique Steveston Village home, meticulously crafted by Pacific Coastal Homes. Quality permeates every corner, showcasing contemporary interior design with modern fixtures, stone countertops, Jenn Air and Fisher & Paykel appliances, genuine hardwood floors, radiant heating, pre-installed indoor and outdoor speakers, and abundant built-in organizers. With 3 bedrooms PLUS a den and unique top floor boasts a spacious rec room adaptable for media or an extra bedroom! Enjoy sunny west-facing yard BBQ's with the convenience of a gas outlet, perfect for hosting gatherings with loved ones. Experience the vibrant Steveston lifestyle - this home is not to be missed!More details
This beautiful Craftsman Style detached home is located in the quite neighbourhood of Steveston South Situated in a tranquil corner-de-sac, this home ensures peace and privacy for its residents. 2005-built home with 4 beds, 2.5 baths, and fire sprinkler protection. Nestled in a peaceful corner-de-sac, this residence offers a serene environment. Features include 9" ceilings, radiant heat, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops. With HardiePlank siding, an east-facing front yard, and a back lane garage entrance, this home seamlessly combines style and functionality. Enjoy the convenience of walking to Steveston village, restaurants, shops, and prestigious schools like Homma Elementary and McMath Secondary. Act now and seize this incredible opportunity.More details