Weekly Richmond PRC information round-up 2021

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Though we are not out of the pandemic yet, the world continues to slowly open up and many of the Richmond PRC member organizations and are offering their services again, whether, in-person, virtually or via a hybrid model. Check back weekly for regular news and updates from service providers and the various levels of government. If you or someone you know would like to join the RPRC please visit our website for more information.

Week of December 27

Greetings to members and friends of the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition (RPRC):

This is our 20th Weekly Roundup, with information from our RPRC organization members and allies, local news, and all levels of government. If you have some news, just send it to info@richmondprc.org and we will endeavour to spread the word amongst our members and associates.

Thanks to The Tyee for all the content this week. The Tyee is an online daily paper loaded with good information about B.C. goings-on. For more info visit the website: thetyee.ca.

The Board and Staff of the RPRC wish you and your families, A Happy New Year!

-> Extreme Weather ‘Cold Wave’ (Thanks to The Tyee):

Temperatures have plunged this week, with fears that Lower Mainland shelters won’t be able to cope with the demand. The Weather Network says models show that temperatures in Metro Vancouver could drop to -10 to -12 C starting around Thursday. The weather event could be deadly because it’s not just going to be a brief cold snap: the cold temperatures are forecast to remain for up to one or two weeks, as noted in this article.

In Richmond, the extreme weather shelter is at South Arm Pool. It operates from 7 pm to 7 am and provides basic accommodation and services for Richmond residents experiencing homelessness. If you find anyone in need, call Richmond House Shelter at 604-276-2490 or the Shelter Manager at 778-558-2531.

-> Anna’s Hummingbird at your feeder (Thanks to The Tyee)

The amazingly cool Anna’s Hummingbird scoffs at winter! These iridescent, tropical-hued birds came north about 50 years ago, and now stay all year round. Make sure you take your feeders in at night to avoid freezing. When you put them out first thing in the morning, they will buzz your head looking for that sweet nectar. Learn more.

-> 2021 The Year in Quotes (Thanks to The Tyee)

Quotes for every month of the last year. The one here is from October, regarding the expansion of the LNG plant across the Fraser from Richmond. “Gas released when you put a hole in the side of an LNG tanker doesn’t float magically up into the air. It stays close to the ground and forms a low fog that’s very flammable the further out you go. It would catch fire and cause not an explosion, but a firestorm.” Eoin Finn, a researcher with My Sea to Sky with a PhD in physical chemistry, explains what would happen if an LNG tanker should leak. Read all the quote here.

Week of December 20

Greetings to members and friends of the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition (RPRC):

This is our 19th Weekly Roundup, with information from our RPRC organization members and allies, local news, and all levels of government. If you have some news, just send it to info@richmondprc.org and we will endeavour to spread the word amongst our members and associates.

Please note, we are grateful to our local media outlets Richmond News and The Tyee for most of the news this week, as our RPRC member organizations are closed for the holidays.

From the Board and Staff of the RPRC, we wish you all a safe and relaxing holiday season!

->Housing – Human Right or Hot Asset? (Thanks to The Tyee)

This is an interesting read from The Tyee. If housing is a right, why does it cost so much? It seems like everyone is talking about housing these days. For many, it is in a state of crisis. But for others, it is a market doing exactly what it should be doing: making money. The crux of the housing problem is that it is both a basic human right and a commodity from which to extract wealth.

-> A Dozen Gentle Density Ideas for the New Year (Thanks to The Tyee)

From compact homes to parking to porches, an urban design gift for each of the 12 days of Christmas from Michael Geller, a Vancouver-based planner, real estate consultant, retired architect, and adjunct professor at SFU’s School of Resource and Environmental Management. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/yc33fjzy

-> Letters to the Editor – Richmond News

Thanks to two Richmond residents who wrote into the News with their comments on housing. Keep those letters coming in! Reader Guillermo Suarez wrote a letter about the affordable housing crisis in Richmond, “I have been a resident in this beautiful city for 25 years.” Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/yy8av7ap

Reader Jack Trovato also wrote, “The debate surrounding the issue of housing in Richmond is first and foremost defined by a distinct absence of consensus. Richmond city staff appear to admit to the prominent gap in how the average Richmond resident can access affordable housing. This gap is accurately captured by referencing over 95 per cent of city residents who currently cannot afford present-day house prices.” Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/3uc9953s

-> Steveston Community Cupboard (Thanks to Richmond News)

Steveston stepped up again to fill their “community cupboard.” Many people speak of the heart that beats loud in the Steveston community. But the evidence of it was clear to see this week when the village’s community cupboard was stocked to bursting after the Richmond News’ story went live.

-> City of Richmond (Thanks to Melanie Burner)

The City is pleased to announce the 2021–2031 Collaborative Action Plan to Reduce and Prevent Poverty in Richmond (Plan) was adopted by City Council on December 6, 2021. The plan will guide the City’s approach, in collaboration with the community, to reduce and prevent poverty in Richmond over the next ten years. Download a PDF of the document.

Printed versions will be available in January, if you would like a printed version, please contact Melanie Burner at mburner@richmond.ca. We will begin to advance actions in the plan starting in January 2022 and there will be additional opportunities to collaborate on poverty reduction and prevention initiatives as the Plan is implemented. Please distribute to your networks as appropriate.

-> City of Richmond – 5 Year Financial Plan

The City is inviting Richmond taxpayers and residents to provide feedback on the City’s proposed Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2022-2026) Bylaw No. 10327, which enables the City to meet the needs of the community and maintain civic service levels for the coming five years. From now until Sunday, January 9, 2022 the public may submit comments online at www.LetsTalkRichmond.ca, via email or delivery to City Hall.

The plan is based on recently approved annual 2022 budgets and it provides a financial road map for the City to manage its resources, revenues and spending to best serve the community. It also ensures the City meets its legal requirement to deliver balanced annual operating budgets. Please visit the Let’s Talk Richmond website to read information on the budgets and complete the comment form by Sunday, January 9, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.

-> B.C. Housing – BC Rent Bank Expands Across Province
The BC Rent Bank now covers the entire province, providing low-income renters with interest-free loans to help them avoid losing their homes. Chimo Community Services administers the Rent Bank in Richmond. Contact Chimo at chimoservices.com or 604.279.7077. Learn more about BC Rent Banks here.

-> Trans Link – Braille Signage at Every Bus Stop (Thanks to Richmond News)

TransLink is installing braille signage at every bus stop throughout the region, as well as tactile walking surface indicators at every bus stop on property that TransLink owns or leases. Installation has already begun with a goal of being completed by the end of 2022.

“These improvements will help customers who are blind or partially sighted better navigate the transit system by letting them know which stop they are at, and which buses they are waiting for,” said a TransLink news release. “Once installed, TransLink will be the first transit system in Canada to install braille signage across its entire bus system.” Read more. https://tinyurl.com/mrxbdx2u

-> BC Government Survey on Building Accessibility

The Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing and the Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility are working to update the BC Building Code to make new buildings more accessible. The first step invites the public, including people with disabilities, accessibility experts, and advocates to provide feedback about barriers and priorities to enhance accessibility requirements in new buildings. Please see the Backgrounder (PDF) document for more information about this project and provide feedback through our online survey. Feedback will be accepted until 4pm on January 13, 2022

-> BC Government – Revised COVID-19 Orders (See also attached poster)

To address rising COVID-19 case counts and keep people safe, the provincial health officer is issuing revised orders. “These measures will help us to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the ones we care about,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. Slowing the spread and keeping each other safe is a cause in which we are all connected. It’s that togetherness that will get all of us through the next days and weeks.” Revised orders take effect on Monday, Dec. 20th and extend to Jan. 31st at 11:59 p.m., and include:

  • Limiting indoor, personal gatherings, including in rental and vacation properties to the household/residents plus 10 individuals, or one additional household maximum if all are aged 12 and older are fully vaccinated
  • Requiring the BC Vaccine Card for organized events of all sizes and ensuring the QR code is scanned at events, restricting seating and movement between tables at food and liquor-serving premises, mask wearing when not seated,limiting venues of 1,000 individuals or more to 50% of the seated capacity, wear masks, scan BC Vaccine card or QR code
  • Pausing all sports tournaments while the order is in effect
  • Organized New Year’s Eve gatherings and events will be seated-only events, with no mingling or dancing allowed
  • Need for retail stores to have COVID-19 safety plans in place for holiday and Boxing Day sale

Learn more:

For the provincial health officer’s orders and guidance visit: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus
For regional restrictions by health authority: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restrictions
Latest modelling: news.gov.bc.ca/files/12.14.21_PHO_modelling.pdf
To register to be vaccinated: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register
Booster link: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/booster

Week of December 13

Greetings to members and friends of the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition (RPRC):

This is our 18th Weekly Roundup, with information from our RPRC organization members and allies, local news, and all levels of government. If you have some news, just send it to info@richmondprc.org and we will endeavour to spread the word amongst our members and associates.

This 18th Roundup has a lot of stories about housing in Richmond – the need for truly affordable housing, the cost of housing, and the position of the City of Richmond that senior levels of government need to step up build the housing we need.

-> RPRC delegation to the City on Housing Needs Report 2021 (Thanks to Richmond News)

The RPRC presented a submission to the City’s Planning Committee on Dec 9th, commending City staff for a comprehensive housing needs report that confirms the observations and recommendations the RPRC has made to City Council for years. See the RPRC report attached.

This submission highlights the need for housing that is affordable, appropriate, and adequate (triple A). The RPRC Housing Committee has been studying the City’s Affordable Housing Strategy in detail and conclude that LEMR (Low-end market rental) units do not deliver what a substantial portion of Richmond residents need.

City staff advised Councillors that, no matter what the City does, the only way to deliver the housing Richmond needs is to fully engage with senior levels of government and advocate for a program of ongoing funding for subsidized housing. Thanks to the Richmond News for their coverage: “Housing report highlights dire needs in Richmond.”

-> ‘Atmosphere’ development stalled – with 112 market rentals and 38 LEMR units on hold (Thanks to Richmond News)

This story highlights a flaw in the City’s Affordable Housing Strategy. The Strategy depends on developers to build market condos so the City can secure LEMR (low end market rental) units. What happens when a development goes bust? These rental units are ‘on the books’ in City Hall, but will they ever be built? See article: “Fencing going up at stalled Richmond condo development.”

-> Letters to the Editor from Cllr. McNulty and Michelle Li (Thanks to Richmond News)

And the housing letters continue to pour in. Thanks everyone for keeping the housing conversation going! Councillor Bill McNulty, the implementer of the original Affordable Housing Strategy, wrote in the Dec 2nd issue to tell readers the facts about the City’s contribution to housing. Then, reader Michelle Li wrote in the Dec 9th issue on the Polygon Talisman development proposal (1,300 units at Cambie and Garden City). She gave kudos to Councillors Au, Day, and Wolfe for who continued to advocate for more rental housing. Although the majority vote was to accept the development proposal, Li stated housing is needed for people, not for investors. Thanks Michelle!

-> Family Services of Greater Vancouver NOBODY’S PERFECT PARENTING PROGRAM (Thanks to Bilquis Hirani)

A FREE program for parents/grandparents and your child (age 0 to 5 – Childminding Provided) See poster attached, Please post!
MEET with other parents of young children, SHARE questions, concerns, and ideas about being a parent, LEARN about child development, safety, health, and behaviour,
DISCUSS real-life parenting situations, DISCOVER positive ways of parenting

  • When: Mondays, January 10 – February 7th 2022 (5 sessions)
  • Time: 10:30 am – 12 pm
  • Where: Richmond Caring Place (#250 – 7000 Minoru Blvd, Richmond)

->Let’s Ride! Make Public Transit BC Wide (Thanks to Eric Doherty)

The RPRC is an ally of ‘Let’s Ride!’ a campaign to make public transit BC wide. Two of B.C.’s main highways from the Coast to the Interior will be closed over the holidays and remain seriously disrupted by repair work for years. Scientists warn us to expect more extreme weather events, including wildfires, landslides and intense rainfall that will continue to hamper travel. The best immediate response to this is also a step towards a longer-term solution to the climate emergency.

Buses can move at least 10 times as many people per highway lane as cars. The patchwork of private bus companies that replaced Greyhound across BC is not delivering the service we need. Let’s Ride! recently launched a House of Commons petition (#e-3723) to advocate that all levels of governments work together to make intercity and interprovincial bus service a reality. Find out more at bcwidebus.com, and sign the petition.

-> B.C. Government – Vaccinate your children

BC government news: “The best way to protect children from getting sick with COVID-19 is to get them vaccinated — and now Health Canada has approved the Pfizer vaccine for children aged five to 11. Children in BC can get the vaccine, which comes in a smaller dose than adults get, at child-friendly clinics.

It’s easy to register children for vaccines because it’s the same process adults used to register. Register online at getvaccinated.gov.bc. After you register, you can book an appointment for the time that works best for your child at your choice of location. It’s important to know that children can’t get vaccinated at pharmacies. The BC government has a colour comic and some colouring sheets about getting vaccinated you can get for your children. Register your child before the end of the year — all you need is your child’s personal health number, full name, birthday, and postal code of their primary address.”

-> B.C. Government- Disaster Flood Relief

Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) eligibility has been expanded for people affected by flooding and landslides from Nov. 14 to Dec. 2, 2021, and now includes British Columbians in the northwest, southwest, central, and southeast areas of the province and on Vancouver Island.

This assistance includes all Indigenous communities, electoral areas and municipalities within those geographic boundaries. DFA is available to homeowners, residential tenants, business owners, farm owners, and charitable organizations that were unable to obtain insurance to cover disaster-related losses. DFA is unable to compensate for losses for which insurance was reasonably and readily available.

Individuals, small businesses, farms, and charitable organizations can access the DFA application online and applications will be accepted until March 3, 2022. Information, eligibility criteria, categories and applications can be found by calling toll free 1 888 257-4777 or visiting the website.

Week of December 6

Greetings to members and friends of the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition (RPRC):

This is our 17th Weekly Roundup, with information from our RPRC organization members, local news, and all levels of government. If you have some news, just send it to info@richmondprc.org and we will endeavour to spread the word amongst our members and associates.

In Canada we commemorate December 6th as it marks the date in 1989 that 14 women engineering students were killed at Montreal’s Ecole Polytechnic. Commemoration events are taking place all over Canada including Richmond, where women from all walks of life participated in a noon walk all around City Hall. They concluded the ceremony with a candlelight vigil and five minutes of silence, ending with a Mighty Roar!

-> FOODSAFE course (Level 1) for Food Program Participants & Volunteers (Thanks to Richmond Food Aid Delivery (FAD)

FAD members Union Gospel Mission and St. Alban’s Church are working together to present FOODSAFE (Level 1). This is a food handling and work safety course for food service workers, such as cooks, servers & dishwashers. The course covers important food safety information including foodborne illness, storing, preparing, serving, cleaning & sanitizing. Note: Space is limited to 25 people. Food Safe certificates are valid for 5 years.

  • Date: Saturday, January 15, 2022
  • Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • Venue: St Alban’s Church – 7260 St Alban’s Road, Richmond, BC
  • Instructor: Alvin Chong, Director of Community Development, The Salvation Army Belkin House
  • Workbook & Certificate processing are included in the fee
  • Fees: Regular: $70 Church/NGO volunteer $55 Student/Senior/Unemployed $40
  • Coffee and tea provided, Bring your own Lunch
  • Register online or contact Karen at kgiesbrecht@ugm.ca

-> Richmond Family Place (Thanks to Ruth Taverner)
If you celebrate a special holiday or tradition at this time of year, we wish you the best of the season and treasured family time. December is a busy month for us at Family Place. As the year winds down and the holiday season gets underway, we are busy receiving generous holiday donations from the community and planning a winter celebration event.

We are grateful that we are safe after the recent extreme weather events here in BC. Our Thrift Store had some minor flooding and was closed for a few days, but insignificant compared to so many others around our province. We know that even in the immediate Richmond community, some of our families experienced flooding in their homes. Our hearts go out to all who have been affected by the events of the last few weeks.

If your family is needing someone to talk to or you need extra support navigating resources, please reach out to one of our Family Support Workers. We’d be happy to connect and lend a helping hand. The last 18 months have been challenging for us all and we all need someone to lean on from time to time. You can contact us at our office at ☎️ 604-278-4336 ext. 105 or ? fsw@richmondfamilyplace.ca.

-> Vancouver Coastal Health – New location for Richmond’s COVID-19 vaccine clinic

The new clinic will open on Dec. 13 at the Pacific Autism Family Network at 3688 Cessna Drive, near Russ Baker Way. The clinic at the River Rock theatre is closing
Dec. 9 because River Rock’s plan is to welcome back entertainers and concert goers, according to VCH. The health authority said it would need to close for a few days as
equipment and supplies are moved to and set up at the new site. Current clinic locations can be found here.

->What If Riding the Bus Were Free? (Thanks to The Tyee and the #AllOnBoard Campaign)

Through the #AllOnBaord Campaign, the RPRC has been an active advocate of free transit for children and youth and sliding scale transit fares for low-income people. Saying ‘no fares’ could make public transit better and streets safer, while speeding up climate and justice progress. Who’s on board?

Heather McCain, the executive director of Creating Accessible Neighbourhoods and a former member of the Access Transit Users’ Advisory Committee, says recent changes to the B.C. bus pass program, which used to make bus passes available for $45 per year to British Columbians on income support for disability, have made it
more difficult for these transit users to access passes.“Within the last five years, it was changed to where it’s $45 a year for the administration fee, and now it’s $45 a
month for the pass,” McCain told The Tyee. “The province did give us this transportation subsidy, which was meant to cover the cost of the bus pass,” they add. “But that’s not how poverty works. People don’t use it for transportation because they need medication more or they need therapy more, or they need clothing for their children
more.”

-> Overdose Prevention Sites Bring Broad Health Benefits, Study Finds (Thanks to The Tyee)

New and mounting evidence that overdose prevention sites bring broad health benefits to individuals and positively impact their communities has one advocate asking why British Columbia isn’t working harder to open more of them. Ann Livingston has been an activist for drug user rights for 30 years. She supports a number of overdose prevention sites where people can use substances and connect to health and social services in the Lower Mainland. But despite the need for the sites in every community in B.C., few outside Vancouver get off the ground due to municipal and neighbourhood opposition that ignores the evidence of their benefits. See more.

Week of November 29

Greetings to members and friends of the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition (RPRC):

This is our 16th Weekly Roundup, with information from our RPRC organization members, local news, and all levels of government. If you have some news, just send it to info@richmondprc.org and we will endeavour to spread the word amongst our members and associates.

We included the flood/ storm watch information first. Other great news from the RPRC Coalition members, associates, and government follow. Thanks for your patience in reading this very long RPRC Roundup!

-> City of Richmond – Storm Preparation
With another rainstorm on its way, the City of Richmond is warning residents to slow down on the roads, stay away from any downed power lines and check storm drains and gutters. The city is also warning residents to stay away from fast-flowing water and riverbanks.

The city’s public works dispatch is available 24/7 at 604-270-8721 to report water accumulation, traffic signals that aren’t working or downed trees on public property.
However, if there is any risk to people or personal property – for example, downed power lines – Richmond residents should call 9-1-1.Downed power lines could be live, and everyone should stay 10 metres away (a bus length away). The city is also providing sandbags for low-lying homes that are at risk of flooding. These can be picked up at the City Works Yard, 5555 Lynas Lane. For more information and resources, go to the city’s website.

-> RPRC re: Floods and Slides – Places to Donate/ Get assistance/ Get Info

We notice a lot of people want to donate to the relief efforts but don’t know what to do, so we are re-posting this government advisory with full details on flood and slide disaster relief measures.

Additionally, people who were ordered to evacuate from November 14 to 16 can apply for Red Cross support. Eligible households will get $2,000. Call the Red Cross at
1-800-863-6582 to register. Applications for government support are open until February 12, 2022.

Here are some key links for the coming days:

-> Richmond Family Place (Thanks to Ruth Taverner)

Family Place is having a special event Winter Celebrations Around the World on December 11th from 11.00 to 2.30 pm. Learn, do crafts, try different snacks! You must be a member to attend. Call 604.278.4336 or email info@richmondfamilyplace.ca for more info.

-> Richmond Food Bank – Job Posting (Thanks to Alex Atkinson)

The Richmond Food Bank is seeking a fulltime Volunteer Coordinator to join our team! The Volunteer Coordinator plays a key role in communicating the vision of the organization and the part volunteers play, knowing RFB volunteers, what motivates them and how to get the best from them, developing RFB volunteers, helping them move into new roles as their needs and the needs of the organization changes and ensures the large number of tasks are completed to successfully deliver RFB programs. Please email a cover letter and resume to hajira@richmondfoodbank.org by December 6th.

-> Richmond Food Aid Delivery (FAD) Coalition – Meals per week in Richmond

With thanks to Hajira Hussain from the Food Bank, the FAD has been collecting data on the number of free meals made available each week for our vulnerable and at-risk residents. When they first started collecting stats in 2020 the numbers were about 3,000 meals per week. Currently the number has risen to 3,883 meal per week. This represents the number of free meals that the Christian and Jewish faith communities produce, and includes family food hampers, and food bank distributions. Numbers have risen in every area and the FAD believes it shows the vital need for an emergency food network to be established in Richmond.

-> RPRC – Another Affordable Housing letter to the Editor (Thanks to Richmond News)

Another letter to the Editor about affordable housing: “Thank you, Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition for your strong endorsement of the Richmond Caring Place proposal to build 280 affordable homes in two towers, plus a new Caring Place building, enlarged to twice the current space. You list the many urgent community needs this unique proposal meets.”

-> First Call – Child Poverty Report Card 2021 (Thanks to The Tyee and Viveca Ellis)

The latest child poverty report card for British Columbia shows a slight decrease in overall rates, slipping from 18.5 per cent of kids living in poverty in last year’s report, to 18 per cent this year. That means around 156,000 children live in poverty in B.C. today. But new data included in this year’s report, which relies on 2019 Statistics Canada tax-filer data, the most recent data available, shows income inequality among parents with children under 18 is growing.

This measure does not include family assets like real estate and stocks, which could even further divide B.C.’s richest and poorest families. The report shows the richest B.C. families with kids earned 24 times what the poorest families did in 2019. But the inequality was particularly stark for single parent-led families, where the top earners brought home 54 times the income that the poorest single parents did. See more here.

-> Richmond Cares Richmond Gives – Christmas Fund Drive-Thru – Dec 7th

The RPRC is a member of RCRG. They are bringing back their popular Christmas Fund Drive-Thru Event! On Tuesday, December 7, from 7:30am – 10:00am, they’ll be at Brighouse Firehall No. 1, collecting toy donations. Drive straight through the main door – just like before. To say thanks, they will even provide you with a MacDonald’s coupon, so you can grab breakfast on your way to work, or wherever your morning takes you.

-> Richmond Cares Richmond Gives – Caregiver Workshops

RELAX, RECHARGE, RESET WORKSHOPS Presented by Richmond Family & Friend Caregiver Hub. The purpose of these free workshops is to promote the health and well-being of unpaid caregivers in Richmond. Family & friend caregivers, as well as those they support, are welcome to attend. Please call 604-279-7099 or email caregivernavigator@rcrg.org for registration or inquiries.

-> City of Richmond (Thanks to City staff Melanie Burner)

The 2020-2031 Collaborative Action Plan to Reduce and Prevent Poverty in Richmond will be presented at Planning Committee on November 30. Planning Committee meetings commence at 4.00 pm sharp. The agenda for planning committee contains a link to the report and plan. If you would like to watch the planning committee session, it can viewed on the City’s YouTube channel. If you would like to delegate, please follow the instructions on the phone-participation page.

Please note, the City’s Housing Needs Assessment 2021 will also be on the Agenda. There is no report on the website yet so please attend if you can!

-> BC Government – Paid Sick Leave coming Jan 1, 2022

Paid sick leave will be standard for workers in British Columbia beginning Jan. 1, 2022, with a minimum of five paid sick days each year. B.C. becomes the first province in Canada to legislate this level of paid time off for workers who fall ill. This new workplace protection applies to all workers covered by the Employment Standards Act, including part-time workers. “Beginning in the new year, workers will no longer lose pay for making the responsible choice of taking a sick day,” said Premier John Horgan. “The pandemic has highlighted that when workers don’t have paid sick leave, it’s bad for them, it’s bad for their co-workers and it’s bad for their employers.” See the government media release.

Week of November 22

Greetings to members and friends of the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition (RPRC):

This is our 15th Weekly Roundup, with information from our RPRC organization members, local news, and all levels of government. If you have some news, just send it to info@richmondprc.org and we will endeavour to spread the word amongst our members and associates.

-> RPRC – Richmond floods and road closures (Thanks to City of Richmond public works)

Thank goodness the City of Richmond passed a climate crisis resolution some time ago that allowed many climate action initiatives to be implemented. We are lucky Richmond has 48 km of dykes and 39 pump stations that pump 1 million gallons a minute. Our taxes have gone up every year and much of that revenue helped to upgrade our dykes. We also got millions from the federal government for climate change infrastructure. There would be no Richmond if not for our dykes. Let’s be grateful Richmond fared so well during this crisis!

-> RPRC – presentation to Richmond City Council Nov 15th re: LEMR units in Affordable Housing Strategy

Thanks to the Richmond News for reporting on Nov 16th: “Unanimous support for Richmond’s increase in affordable housing requirements dropped by one vote as city council tallied its final vote on the issue. Coun. Michael Wolfe reversed his original support for raising the affordable housing requirement from 10 per cent to 15 per cent in City Centre after listening to delegates at a public hearing on the issue, saying it wasn’t moving fast enough to address the need.”

As the RPRC presentation notes, LEMR stands for Low End Market Rentals. But they are anything but ‘affordable,’ as LEMR rents are only 10% below rental market rates. Here is a link to the Public Hearing on You Tube. Thanks also to RPRC member Theresa Head for her presentation supporting the need for more below-market subsidized housing in Richmond.

-> RCD Employment and Empowerment project (Thanks to Vincent Kwok)

This is a repeat offer and RCD is looking for any person between the ages of 15-30 to enrol. You do not have to be disabled to take part in this program. Non-profits, do you need someone to do IT, admin work, or ? RCD is offering an Employment and Empowerment Project (EEP) to navigate meaningful, gainful, and sustainable employment for youth with employment barriers. Eligibility: Youths between the ages of 15-30, and legally entitled to work in Canada. Benefits: PAID work experience placement, resume and interview skills development, on-the-job support and mentoring, some financial supports available.

Click here to view Information Package for Participants. Enquiry: Vincent Kwok, Employment Support Manager at 604-232-2404 or email vincent@rcdrichmond.org.

-> Richmond Food Aid Delivery (FAD) Coalition re: City’s Homelessness Program-Lead

On Nov 18th, the FAD Coalition (RPRC’s ‘sister-table’) invited the City’s Homelessness Program-Lead, Valerie Watson to give them an update on her role. She is responsible to implement the City’s Homelessness Strategy and integrate City responses such as setting priorities on homelessness policies, encampment responses, and affordable housing. She works with internal departments and external stakeholders. She is also coordinating homelessness awareness training for workers in front-facing positions such as community centres and identifying process improvements in engaging with the public. The FAD asked about After-Hours Outreach and she advised she works with the Emergency Response Centre (ERC) at the old Minoru seniors centre as well as overseeing the UBCM/ City grant to Salvation Army’s outreach team.

-> City of Richmond – Emergency Preparedness Study (Thanks to Dorothy Jo)

Richmond Fire-Rescue has partnered with the Canadian Red Cross and University of Waterloo to conduct a study and would like your assistance in recruiting newcomers to this study. They are looking to recruit two groups of 6-8 participants (one for women and one for men) and are hoping to hold two sessions before the winter break. The criterion for newcomers is individuals living in Canada for less than five years. We are conducting focus groups to learn more about awareness and preparedness for floods, wildfire, and earthquakes to better understand your community. Please contact Dorothy Jo directly at djo@richmond.ca.

-> BC Government re: Disaster Floods and Slides information

On Nov 19th, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth announced new provincial measures to restrict non-essential travel to-and-from impacted areas in BC and to ensure fuel (gas and diesel) is prioritized for essential vehicles in certain regions, while still being available to British Columbians.

Here are some key links for the coming days:

From the Office of the Premier: “What we have seen during this unprecedented disaster and throughout the past few years with COVID-19 is that when British Columbians support each another, we are able to get through challenging times. As you share this information with your networks, we ask that you encourage everyone to abide by these new emergency measures to help us come together to tackle the challenges facing our communities.”

Week of November 15

Greetings to members and friends of the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition (RPRC):

This is our 14th Weekly Roundup, with information from our RPRC organization members, local news, and all levels of government. If you have some news, just send it to info@richmondprc.org and we will endeavour to spread the word amongst our members and associates.

-> RPRC has its first Annual General Meeting (thanks to the RPRC Board especially Deb Turner)

The RPRC Directors and members are pleased to announce we had our 1st Annual General Meeting on November 10, 2021! It was well attended, with 14 voting members and eight non-voting guests, including special guests Mayor Malcolm Brodie, Cllr. Bill McNulty and Cllr. Andy Hobbs. The RPRC membership approved their Constitution & Bylaws and acclaimed the Board of Directors who are: John Roeder, Lynne Fader, Deborah Turner and De Whalen. Thanks to everyone for a successful first AGM!

People are asking for the skit shown at the AGM. Performed by our project group the Richmond Advocacy & Support Committee or RASC, and titled “The Saba Road Olympics” it shows in a humorous way, how we could increase safety and accessibility on City crosswalks. Here is the link. Enjoy!

-> Richmond Centre for Disability (RCD) ‘Got Talent’ Show Nov 19th (thanks to Richmond News)

The second annual RCD Got Talent fundraising show is only a week away and the organizers have a stellar cast lined up. One of the top attractions at the online show – broadcast on Richmond Centre for Disability’s YouTube channel on Friday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. – will be Richmond’s mayor Malcolm Brodie, on piano accompanying RCD’s Elsa Wong on vocals.
RCD’s Dave Thomson says, “It’s a lot of fun and, of course, it’s for a good cause, so we’re hoping people will come watch some of the performances,” Thomson told the News. Viewers will be able to interact with us during the show and we’re really looking forward to the mayor on piano with Elsa,” said Thomson, adding that he’s grateful to Long & McQuade for donating a keyboard for the performance.

To watch the concert, subscribe, for free, to the RCD YouTube Channel. You can support the performers by making donations on the night or make one early by going to RCD’s website.

-> RPRC Letter to the Editor Richmond News re: Affordable Housing

The RPRC membership decided to send a letter to the Editor of the Richmond News, in response to several letters on affordable housing. Pubished in the Nov 11th issue, the letter says, “Firstly, the RPRC fully supports the Board of Richmond Caring Place Society in their aim to redevelop the city-owned site on Minoru and Granville and build sorely needed space for local non-profits as well as two towers of housing for rent at below-market rates. Secondly, members of the RPRC agree with the recent Richmond News editorial that states the market has “proven itself incapable of providing an adequate supply of affordable housing.” Read the whole letter here.

-> RPRC re: Mental Health in the Public Health System (thanks to the BC Health Coalition)

In September 2021, the RPRC recommended to the BC government that psychologists’ visits should be added to the Medical Services Plan. This upcoming panel on November 25th hosted by the BC Health Coalition, echos our concern that mental health should be integrated into the public health care system. They are bringing together leaders in mental health for an important conversation about what public mental health care could look like on a systemic level and on the ground. Join the virtual event as follows:

WHAT: Panel discussion – A vision for public mental health care
WHEN: November 25, 12:00-1:30pm
WHERE: Online using Zoom webinar

-> Federal government clawback of seniors guaranteed income supplement (thanks to CBC News)

Almost 90,000 Canadian seniors are being hit by a sudden cut to their monthly income because they accepted a federal financial benefit that was supposed to help them
weather the pandemic. Low income seniors who received the Canada emergency response benefit (CERB) are seeing their guaranteed income supplement (GIS)
payments clawed back as a result. GIS is intended to help low income seniors make ends meet. The payments are based on income. A single senior earning less than $19,248 qualifies for GIS. The cutoff for couples can be as high as $46,128, depending on their pension situation. In 2021, the maximum monthly payment under the program is $948.82. Read more.

-> Alternative Federal Budget released November 2021 (thanks to Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives)

The RPRC believes a just, equitable, and sustainable post-pandemic recovery must include the voices of people living on low-incomes. This Alternative Federal Budget, now in its 26th year, calls for urgent policy priorities that would ensure a publicly led, inclusive pandemic recovery. This project is a collaboration among organizations and researchers from a variety of sectors, populations, and areas of expertise including human rights, labour, environmental protection, anti-poverty, arts and culture, social development, child development, international development, women, Indigenous peoples, the faith-based community, students, teachers, education, and health care workers. Among the key issues are: implementing universal public child care, reforming Canada’s income security system, addressing the housing crisis, strengthening and expanding the existing health care system, stewarding a just transition away from the oil and gas economy, and moving forward on reconciliation. See policy brief link.

-> BC Government (Thanks to Henry Yao, MLA)

Henry Yao, MLA for Richmond South Centre Constituency Office is hosting a University Panel for High School Students on Thursday, December 2nd 5:00pm – 6:30pm PST on Zoom. Calling all high school students in Richmond BC who are interested in learning more about post-secondary options or have general questions. University students will share their experience on admission, their program of study, and more. Come with your specific questions for the university students to answer. Register and ask your questions here.

Week of November 9

Greetings to members and friends of the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition (RPRC):

This is our 13th Weekly Roundup, with info from our RPRC organization members, local government, and the BC government. If you have some news, just send it to info@richmondprc.org and we will endeavour to spread the word amongst our members and associates.

-> RPRC – November 8th marked Indigenous Veterans Day and November 11th is Remembrance Day across Canada. We would encourage you to take time this week to think about the sacrifices our elders made to give us the country we are lucky to live in today.

-> Richmond Family Place (thanks to Ruth Taverner

We are excited and ready to invite families back inside our playgrounds! Our programs are changed somewhat and adhere to Covid protocols. Every program will include outdoor activities, so it is important that everyone is suited up for the weather. Enter Family Place through the side gate, there will be a bell there to ring and staff will come and assist with sign in, handwashing, etc. When a program is full a STOP sign will be shown at the gate. For more info call Richmond Family Place at 604.278.4336.

-> New BC Health Connect Registry (thanks to Deb Turner)

Please see attached, a poster about the new BC Health Connect Registry for those who are looking for a family doctor or nurse practitioner. The poster has a link as well as a QR code to the registry. Deb encourages outreach workers to print it and it hand out to their clients that do not have family doctors.

-> Extreme Weather beds open in Metro Vancouver (thanks to Richmond News)

As of Nov 1st, Extreme Weather Response beds funded by BC Housing have opened all over Metro Vancouver. Richmond House shelter has opened several more beds in response. Extreme weather beds open depending on the weather, ie. in driving rain or snow or in cold below zero degrees. They will remain operational until April. Click here for more info.

-> New study links lifespans with wealth gaps in Greater Vancouver (thanks to The Tyee online news)

We like to think of Greater Vancouver as one of the best places to live in Canada, if not in the world. Yes it is — especially for those of us living in the most affluent neighbourhoods. Those in the poorest neighbourhoods, however, are dying younger than their rich neighbours, sometimes by many years. And the gap between them was getting wider even before the opioid-overdose crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic became twin health emergencies. That’s an easy conclusion to draw from a recent study by UBC researchers published in the journal Health & Place. Of course, it’s more complicated than that, but it still seems paradoxical that a region as prosperous as Greater Vancouver should see some people die years younger than others living just a few kilometres away. Learn more this article by The Tyee.

Week of November 1

Greetings to members and friends of the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition (RPRC):

This is our 12th Weekly Roundup, with info from our RPRC organization members, local government, and the BC government. If you have some news, just send it to info@richmondprc.org and we will endeavour to spread the word amongst our members and associates.

-> Richmond Centre for Disability Fundraising Concert RCD Got Talent! (Thanks to Ella Huang)

Support RCD’s Online Fundraising Concert on November 19th at 7.00 pm. We need your support! Click here to see different ways you can donate – online, call-in during the event, in-person, mail-in, E-transfer. All donors’ names will be displayed on a Danmu or Barrage screen on the RCD concert webpage to show our appreciation.
Subscribe the RCD YouTube Channel – Watch – Share – Like – Watch again
Make donations to support the concert and performer

-> RCD Employment and Empowerment project (Thanks to Vincent Kwok)

RCD is offering an Employment and Empowerment Project (EEP) to navigate meaningful, gainful, and sustainable employment for youth with employment barriers. Eligibility: Youths between the ages of 15-30, and legally entitled to work in Canada. Benefits: PAID work experience placement, resume and interview skills development, on-the-job support and mentoring, some financial supports available

Click here to view Information Package for Participants. Enquiry: Vincent Kwok, Employment Support Manager at 604-232-2404 or email vincent@rcdrichmond.org.

-> Conversation on Affordable Housing in Richmond Heats Up! (Thanks to Richmond News)

Two Richmond residents has letters in the Richmond News Oct 28th edition, in response to Eve Edmonds editorial and an article about the Richmond Caring Place redevelopment proposal. Bob Ransford writes ‘Support Housing Plan,” and Michell Li writes “Swift Action Needed.” Thanks to these citizens for speaking out! See their letters below. Let’s keep up the fight for our underhoused and overcharged low-income residents out there!

-> BC Alliance for Arts + Culture report – ‘Everyday Creativity & COVID-19 in BC’

The RPRC was approached by the BC Alliance for Arts + Culture while we were engaged in our RASC project (Richmond Advocacy & Support Committee). They were interested in how our group was learning and practicing self-advocacy and leadership skills through art, thereby encouraging systemic change. Their report shows that everyone has everyday creativity that should be nurtured for our general health and wellbeing. The report confirms what we knew and is very interesting reading. It can be accessed here. The report makes recommendations around:
supporting community and individual health (‘arts-on-prescription’),
supporting information technology for the arts including reliable internet,
researching the social and health impacts of arts organizations on their communities,
recognizing the importance of arts workers and compensating appropriately, and
expanding the definition of ‘arts’ to include arts’ civic impacts in issues of social justice, environmental sustainability, and quality of life.

-> BC 2022 Budget Submission from Vancouver Foundation

The Vancouver Foundation (VF) sent in a submission to the BC government about budget priorities, as did many other organizations including the RPRC. Their priorities were informed by what they’ve heard from many non-profit organizations – the pressures everyone’s experiencing and the opportunities they see for a better partnership between the non-profit sector and the provincial government. The report concludes:

‘It’s time for government — through budgets, legislation, and policy — to embrace charities and non-profits as more than service providers and do-gooders. We are the balancing middle ground between private interests and public good. And we’re ready to do more than ever before to come together across sectors and develop sophisticated, innovation solutions to the challenges of today and opportunities of tomorrow.’

Read the full report here.

-> TransLink Transport 2050 – Draft Strategy

Download the summary or full draft strategy. Here’s what it promises so far:

  • Building 300 more kilometres of rapid transit
  • Creating an 850-kilometre major bikeway network
  • Dedicating more streets to walking, biking, rolling, and transit
  • Promoting electric and shared vehicles: bikes, scooters, and cars
  • Putting frequent transit within a five-minute walk of most people

Week of October 25

Greetings to members and friends of the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition (RPRC):

This is our 11th Weekly Roundup, with info from our RPRC organization members, local government, and the BC government. If you have some news, just send it to info@richmondprc.org and we will endeavour to spread the word amongst our members and associates.

-> RPRC via Richmond News “Tweaking won’t solve housing crisis” (Thanks to Editor Eve Edmonds)

Editor Eve Edmonds wrote an excellent article in response to the City of Richmond’s approval to mandate 15% affordable housing in City Centre. The editorial states, “Richmond’s main modus operandi to increasing affordable housing has been to cajole developers into designating a small percentage of their units affordable. That happened, yet again, this week when city council voted to require developers in the city centre area to ensure 15 per cent of the units are affordable — up from 10 per cent.”

The editorial goes on to say, Quibbling over 10, 15, even 20 per cent is simply tweaking a housing market that has already proven itself incapable of providing
an adequate supply of affordable housing. It’s time for bold ideas. Anything short of that can help and may make some people feel good about themselves but won’t crack the back of this housing beast.”

Thanks Richmond News for shining a light on this issue, see link.

-> RPRC via Richmond News “Richmond non-profit looks for city support for project amid housing crunch”

Kudos to The Caring Place Society for asking the City of Richmond to approve the building of affordable housing on this site! The Caring Place Society, which operates a building on Granville Avenue at Minoru Boulevard that rents to local non-profit societies, has been working on their proposal for years to double its non-profit space and build two residential towers on the same lot.

However, it appears City Council is lukewarm on the subject, saying they would need buy-in from higher levels of government. This puts the Society in a Catch 22, with provincial and federal governments looking for municipal commitments for projects and often requiring a lot of design work, and sometimes building permits, before they give money for any projects. See more at: www.richmond-news.com/local-news/richmond-non-profit-looks-for-city-support-for-project-amid-housing-crunch-4539975.

-> RPRC “Chew on This” National Campaign (Thanks to Deneanne Quamme)

Every year, the RPRC participates in the national Dignity For All and the Chew on This! campaign to commemorate Oct 17th as the National Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Some may recall the RPRC’s ‘postcard’ campaigns in past years. We mark this time by calling on the Government of Canada to honour our international human rights obligations and commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals by working towards the eradication of poverty in Canada.

The RPRC wrote to Richmond’s new MP’s Parm Bains and Wilson Miao, to offer congratulations on their recent success in the federal election and stating that, as their constituents, we look forward to working with them to build a more just and sustainable society and the eradication of poverty in Richmond.

-> RPRC via Living Wage Campaign (Thanks to Anastasia French)

The latest news on living wage employers! Two businesses in Richmond have certified as Living Wage Employers – Purpose CPA and New Life Property Management. The City of North Vancouver and Langley have also become Living Wage Employers, which shows that it is becoming a growing trend for municipalities. (FYI, Richmond City Council sent its Living Wage staff report back to staff for another staff report).

-> COVID vaccine clinics in Richmond (Thanks to Deb Turner)

Richmond vaccine clinics:
River Rock Casino (Theatre) 8811 River Rd, Oct 19-31, 9.00 am – 7.00 pm
Richmond Curling Club (Arena) 5540 Hollybridge Way, Oct 27th, 12 noon – 8.00 pm
Thompson Community Centre Annex 5151 Granville Ave Oct 29th, 11:30 am – 7:30 pm
For more details on COVID-19 vaccination in Richmond – see: www.vch.ca/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine.

-> More COVID information (Thanks to Deb Turner)

Roll up your sleeves, B.C.: Influenza immunization prevents serious illness, deaths. People in British Columbia are being encouraged to protect themselves and those around them against influenza this year by getting a flu shot.

COVID-19 capacity limits lifting as two-dose vaccine requirements begin. On Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, full vaccination for everyone born in 2009 or earlier (12+) and presentation of your BC Vaccine Card will be required to access certain events, services, and businesses. Read more.

Week of October 18

Greetings to members and friends of the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition (RPRC):

This is our 10th Weekly Roundup, with info from our RPRC organization members, local government, and the BC government. If you have some news, just send it to info@richmondprc.org and we will endeavour to spread the word amongst our members and associates.

->RPRC on the Nobel Prize re: Minimum Wage (Thanks to The Tyee)

News flash – Increasing minimum wages won’t cause jobs to disappear! Canadian-born economist David Card was accorded the honour for his pioneering work using “natural experiments” to show that raising the minimum wage won’t cause jobs to disappear. Dr. Card got the prize for his methodology for how to study things like minimum wages in a real-life setting, comparing fast food joints in New Jersey, which raised its minimum wage, and eastern Pennsylvania, which didn’t. What happened was nothing — at least, nothing different — as far as the number of employees went. See article here.

-> RPRC on the National ‘Chew on This’ campaign (Thanks to Deneanne Quamme)

The RPRC always participates in this annual national campaign along with local community partners. In years past, we have asked Richmond residents to sign postcards to the Prime Minister to remind the government of their responsibility to their citizens. This year’s campaign asks us to each send a letter to our federal government MPs asking them to sign a pledge committing to specific targets and timelines related to housing, food security, safe drinking water, employment, healthcare, and childcare, particularly among marginalized groups.

Here is an opportunity to let your MP know addressing poverty is top of mind for Canadians. Here is a link suggesting all kinds of all actions, including templates for letters to your MP and media on our website. Please write your own letter, thanks!

-> RPRC on Unite Here Local 40’s ‘Unequal Women Campaign’ (thanks to Stephanie Fung)

The RPRC has been supportive of Unite Here Local 40, and its fight against unequal treatment of racialized women in the hospitality industry (hotels, food services) Earlier this year, they launched a campaign, BC Unequal Women, to bring public attention to the pandemic’s devastating impact on these women. Learn more about the campaign here and email any ideas you have about how to help to info@richmondprc.org.

-> Richmond Presbyterian Church (thanks to Heather Campbell)

Hi, I am the chair of the Use of Facilities Committee at Richmond Presbyterian Church on No. 2 Road at Granville. I would like RPRC members and friends to know about possibilities in sharing/renting our space to non-profit agencies that provide services to people in need, in our community. Please send an email to info@richmondprc.org and the RPRC will connect you. Information about the church’s facilities can be found at www.richpres.com/rentals.

-> City of Richmond – Free mentrual products in City facilities (Thanks to Dorothy Jo)

The City of Richmond installed dispensers with free menstrual products in women’s and universal washrooms in City facilities to promote gender equity and reduce barriers to recreation and social activities. Richmond City Council approved this year-long pilot project as part of the United Way’s Period Promise initiative. “Having access to menstrual products is essential for the health, well-being and full participation of all individuals,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “Ensuring these products are available to all who need them, regardless of income, helps support full inclusion in recreational and professional activities, reduces stigma and promotes gender equity.”

Dispensers have been installed at 18 City-owned locations including community centres, other community facilities, libraries, ice arenas, and aquatic centres.
Additional locations may be added based on the success of the pilot project which is slated to end in Oct 2022.

-> BC Government – Ministry of Labour – Child Labour laws changed (Thanks to Richmond News)

As of Oct. 15, 2021, changes to employment standards raise the general working age in B.C. from 12 to 16 and define the types of jobs that are appropriate for those under 16. The ministry release says these new rules bring British Columbia in line with international standards for children’s employment. Prior to these changes, B.C. was the only province in Canada whose general minimum working age was as young as 12.

Young people aged 14 and 15 can still do many jobs defined as ‘light work,’ with permission from a parent or guardian. These changes to the Employment Standards Act were initiated through legislation in the spring of 2019. Consultations were held with more than 1,700 youth, parents, and employers from multiple sectors before prior to finalizing the changes this year.

Week of October 11

Greetings to members and friends of the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition (RPRC):

Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you had time to relax with family and friends this weekend. We have much to be thankful for! This is our 9th Roundup, with info from our RPRC organization members, local government, and the BC government. If you have some news, just send it to info@richmondprc.org and we will endeavour to spread the word amongst our members and associates.

> Richmond Centre for Disability (Thanks to Ella Huang)

RCD is hosting a free ‘Flu shot clinic on Mon Oct 18th from 11-3 at RCD’s office at 842-5300 No. 3 Rd, Lansdowne Mall (near customer service). Open to eligible BC residents. Bring photo ID, masks mandatory, we will ask questions related to Covid. To pre-register, please call 604.232.2404.

-> Richmond Centre for Disability (Thanks to Ella Huang)

Support our RCD Got Talent online fundraising concert on Nov 19 at 7 pm on the RCD You Tube channel. Mark your calendar! Spread the Word! Make Donations! Watch the concert Live!

-> Richmond Food Aid Delivery (FAD) Coalition (Thanks to Union Gospel Mission and Urban Bounty)

The Richmond FAD participated in the 2021 update to the Richmond Food Access Report, Silver Linings and Sober Realities” and commissioned by UGM and Urban Bounty (was Richmond Food Security Society).The FAD is a group of Richmond volunteers and staff from faith communities, UGM, Urban Bounty and the Richmond Food Bank, among others, working together to feed our street-entrenched homeless and our at-risk populations and provide food hampers to individuals and families in need. We are pleased to offer the update report, with thanks to staff at UGM and Urban Bounty.

-> City of Richmond City Snapshots: Planning for Growth and Development

This is available online at LetsTalkRichmond.ca until Sunday October 24, 2021 and gives an overview of initiatives in four City departments: Affordable Housing, Planning & Development, Sustainability, and Transportation.

-> BC Government – Poverty Reduction Strategy Update

As required by the Poverty Reduction Strategy Act, an annual report for each calendar year must be prepared to describe the actions taken by the provincial government to reduce poverty, and any progress made towards achieving our legislated targets of reducing the overall poverty rate by 25% and the child poverty rate by 50% by 2024. The 2020 Annual Report on TogetherBC was presented to the legislature this week and has been posted online. The report covers actions undertaken by the province in the 2020 calendar year. The report is available here.

-> TransLink – Invitation to Stakeholder Workshops

TransLink is leading the development of Transport 2050, a strategy to make transportation better for everyone – no matter who you are or how you travel. Now at Phase 3 engagement, we are gathering a variety of stakeholders, including community members, advocacy groups, and business leaders, to share their unique perspectives on the draft strategy. Workshop Dates and Registration:

Week of October 4

Greetings to members and friends of the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition (RPRC):

This is our 8th Roundup, with info from our RPRC organization members, local government, and the BC government. If you have some news, just send it to info@richmondprc.org and we will endeavour to spread the word amongst our members and associates.

-> Richmond Family Place (thanks to Ruth Taverner)

Happy Fall! Check out our website or call 604.278.4336 learn about our many programs at various locations around the city, such as Circle Time, Play & Learn, Sing in the Park, Male Caregivers Play & Learn, and Toddler Time for Chinese speaking families. Some classes are virtual, many are in-person with COVID protocols. you can register by emailing: registration@richmondfamilyplace.ca.

-> RPRC submission to Provincial Government – Standing Committee on Finances & Government Relations

On invitation, the RPRC makes submissions to this BC government standing committee on our priorities and makes recommendations for changes that will improve the lives of low-income Richmond residents. Discussion at our September members’ meeting reached consensus on prioritizing the issues of housing, transportation, mental health, and childcare. Please see our attached 2021 submission to the government.

-> RPRC congratulates the City of North Vancouver – Another Living Wage Employer

The City of North Vancouver has recently been certified as a Living Wage Employer. This municipal government joins the Cities of Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Port Coquitlam, Langley, and Victoria as living wage employers. These municipal governments have signed memoranda to ensure their contracted employees (cleaners, food service and security) are paid a living wage. In Metro Vancouver the L.W. is around $20 per hour.

-> City of Richmond Proclaims Homelessness Action Week Oct 10-16, 2021

Richmond Homeless Connect and the RPRC are pleased that the City of Richmond accepted our request to declare Oct 10-16th Homelessness Action Week! See attached proclamation. It will be posted at City Hall at the public side entrance.

-> City of Richmond Parks Program – Vote on Street Banner Designs

You can vote on 20 shortlisted designs for the Richmond Steet Banner Program. View the designs on LetsTalkRichmond.ca and vote or your favourites
on 10 themes including community, connectedness, active living, nature, and sustainability. Please cast your votes by 11.59 pm on Sunday October 17th. The 10 designs that receive the most votes will be the winners and will be displayed on street banners all over Richmond.

-> BC Government: COVID Vaccination – Drop-in Clinics

Anyone who needs a first or second shot can go to River Rock Casino, 8811 River Road from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm from Oct 1-10th. You can also register if you have not already done so at: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register.

Week of September 27

Greetings to members and friends of the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition (RPRC):

This is our 7th Roundup, with info from our RPRC organization members, local government, and the BC government. We apologize for missing our weekly roundup last week, even though there WAS news, as our country engaged in the second federal election in two years!

If you have some news, just send it to info@richmondprc.org and we will endeavour to spread the word amongst our members and associates.

PLEASE NOTE:

-> Today, September 27, 2021, is the date when everyone needs to show their official vaccine card to access non-essential areas such as businesses, restaurants, gyms, indoor concerts, etc. Essential services such as grocery stores, food banks, health care services, etc., do not require showing the card.
Get more info here.

-> RPRC, RCD, Kehila and JSA: Federal Election 2021 Richmond Federal Candidates Online All Candidates Meeting:

We are pleased to report our co-hosted online All Candidates Meeting was very well attended! We had over 900 visits to the RCD website link. Many also reported that they forwarded the link to neighbours, friends, and family in Richmond. Richmond now welcomes two new Members of Parliament, both from the Liberal Party of Canada. They are Wilson Miao MP for Richmond Centre and Parm Bains MP for Steveston Richmond East.

-> RPRC project ‘Art for Social Change’ Public Forum

The RPRC is sorry to inform you our Art for Social Change event has been indefinitely postponed. The RPRC Board will be revisiting the project and working to reengage with project participants and decide collaboratively on our next steps. Thanks for your understanding.

-> Richmond Homeless Connect (RHC) – Homelessness Action Week October 10-16, 2021

The RHC working group invites you to post the attached poster to recognize that the week of October 10-16 is Homelessness Action Week. They also advise that Richmond Homeless Connect will not happen this year, again due to Covid concerns. However, the group continues to provide hygiene/ cleaning/ food items kits to our homeless and at-risk populations. To date, the RHC has distributed kits to over 1,200 individuals including children and families.

-> RPRC Submission to Provincial Government – Finances and Government Relations

The RPRC will make a submission to the BC government regarding budget priorities and government relations. At our September steering committee meeting, RPRC members reached consensus on submitting four issues important to low-income Richmond residents with recommendations for change. They are affordable housing, transportation, childcare, and mental health. The deadline for submissions is September 30th. Stay tuned for our final report!

-> City of Richmond Diversity Virtual Forum – October 18-22, 2021

The 2021 City of Richmond Virtual Diversity Symposium is a free, week-long, virtual conference for professionals, volunteers and community members interested in learning, sharing, and advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in their communities. This year’s symposium will be held remotely from October 18 to 22, 2021. Presented by the City of Richmond, this year’s Virtual Diversity Symposium aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools to build diverse, equitable and inclusive communities. To register please see: www.richmond.ca/services/communitysocialdev/inclusion/diversitysymposium.htm.

The Symposium is intended for people who work or volunteer in the field of diversity and inclusion. We strive to host an inclusive and accessible event that enables individuals of all abilities to engage fully in our sessions. For inquiries about accessibility, please contact Aliez Kay-Kuzik, Inclusion Coordinator, at diversitysymposium@richmond.ca or 604-276-4104.

-> BC Government – Seniors Guide 2020

At a recent seniors’ conference, the Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors, MLA Mable Elmore, gave out this link to an excellent seniors’ guide. It is updated regularly through this link so you can access it for information anytime.

Week of September 13

Greetings to members and friends of the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition (RPRC):

This is our 6th Roundup, with info from our RPRC organization members, local government, and the BC government. If you have some news, just send it to info@richmondprc.org and we will endeavour to spread the word amongst our members and associates.

-> Richmond Centre for Disability (thanks to Lousie Gaudry):

RCD wants to let you know about our ‘In Motion and Momentum+’ course. We have postponed the start of the next running because we are seeking more participants. Please see the poster attached for more details. Please note the start date is now Septemeber 21st.

‘In Motion and Momentum+’ is a pre-employment class that gives participants lots of opportunity to consider their skills and interests and values to put them on a path to their preferred future. The ideal candidate can be self-reflective. We will be offering the first 2 of three modules through Zoom and the plan to have at least part of the class meet at our Centre in Richmond for the final module. Those from outside the Lower Mainland can of course continue to attend through Zoom. This is a 6 hr. per day commitment between September and December 2021.

Interested applicants contact: louise@rcdrichmond.org or dina@rcdrichmond.org or call the RCD Office:604-232-2404 to arrange to meet to discuss your interest.

-> RPRC, RCD, Kehila and JSA: Federal Election 2021 Richmond Federal Candidates Online All Candidates Meeting:

You will recall the RPRC, and co-hosts sent this special email message below about our online All Candidates Meeting. We collaborated on fourteen (14) questions around the issues of social justice on the federal stage and sent our questions directly to the candidates for the two federal risings in Richmond: Richmond Centre and Steveston Richmond East.

The ten (10) Federal candidates are: Parm Bains, Kenny Chiu (incumbent), Laura Gillanders, James Hinton, Wilson Miao, Sandra Nixon, Francoise Raunet, Jennifer Singh, Jack Trovato, and Alice Wong (incumbent). Please note, we received responses from only six candidates. Missing were: James Hinton Jennifer Singh, Francois Raunet, and Parm Bains. Our team added every response to the RCD website and here is the link for you to access all the candidates’ responses.

To date there have been 812 views of the Q&A page. All responses will be accessible through the links until September 20, 2021. Please forward the link to friends, family, and colleagues! We hope our members and associates will read each candidate’s views on this important subject to make an informed decision on voting day.

-> Richmond Homeless Connect (RHC) and Food Aid Delivery (FAD):

With thanks to Kwaku Yeboah and the Global Access & Inclusion Foundation, the RHC and FAD have received 1,000 packets of sanitizing wipes for their hygiene/ cleaning kits. These kits go out to Richmond’s street entrenched homeless and residents at risk of homelessness. Thanks, GAIF!

-> RPRC project in Richmond Culture Days ‘Art for Social Change’ Oct 23rd (thanks to RPRC staff Jessica and Theresa):

This is to advise the RPRC’s Culture Days entry with the Richmond Advocacy & Support Committee’s “Art for Social Change” has been cancelled. They have decided to pivot to a different format and may still hold an event on Oct 23. So, save the date and the RPRC will keep you up to speed! For more information on the RASC’s activities see www.facebook.com/rascproject.

->City of Richmond Online Survey:

The City is conducting an online survey on Reducing Waste and Supporting a Circular Economy. They want residents to give them creative ideas on how to reduce waste and keep materials we use in circulation to be used, reused, repaired, or recycled multiple times. Share your ideas and comments in the City’s Rethink Waster Think Tank at LetsTalkRichmond.ca and be entered to win prizes. Deadline is Oct 3, 2021. Ideas generated in the Think Tank will help create a Rethink Waste Ideas Hub as a resource to our community.

Here is an innovative example that has been in use in Richmond for many years. A past RPRC project, which is now administered by RPRC member the Richmond Women’s Resource Centre (RWRC), is called Richmond Shares. It is a website-based place where people who have stuff (furniture, appliances, baby gear, etc) can post it and anyone who needs it can contact the program facilitator who will arrange for pick up and delivery. The beauty of this program is it eliminates the ‘warehouse’ problem many thrift stores have. And it’s free!

-> BC Government: Vaccine Cards

As of Sept 26th, anyone who wants to access non-essential services such as gyms, restaurants and inside events, must show a vaccine card. They are available online at www.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard or by calling 1-833-838-2323 to request a mailed copy. You do not need the card to access essential services such as emergency health services, the food bank, grocery stores, or to buy a meal at a take-out restaurant.

Week of September 7

Happy Labour Day! On this day we celebrate and honour the workers of Canada who have contributed and sacrificed so much in the face of the global pandemic. Thanks to our front-line workers especially, but also, everyone who kept working, whether at home or in the workplace, to set Canada on the road to recovery.

This is our 5th Roundup, with info from our RPRC organization members, local government, and the BC government. If you have some news, just send it to info@richmondprc.org and we will endeavour to spread the word amongst our members and associates.

->Federal Election – Questions from RPRC, Richmond Centre forDisability, Kehila Society, and Jewish Seniors Alliance:

We are happy to report these four non-profit agencies have collaborated on 14 questions concerning social justice issues and sent them to all ten Federal Election candidates in Richmond. The questions cover these poverty reduction topics: housing and homelessness, food security, Indigenous rights, childcare, long term care, home support, MAid legislation, pharmacare, and pensions. Prior to the advance polls starting Sept 10th, we will post all responses on our websites, so that everyone has time to review candidates’ responses on these important issues. Stay tuned!

-> Elections Canada FAQ link:

There is a lot of incorrect information floating around out there, about voting during COVID. Here is an easy Q&A guide to help us all navigate the election.

-> Richmond Family Place (thanks to Ruth Tavener):

RFP is having its Annual General Meeting on Sept 15th at 6.00 pm via Zoom. Anyone can attend, just go to the website and register by Sept 8th. The Zoom link will be sent to registered participants. FYI, Family Place will be closed on Thursday, September 30th to honour National Truth and Reconciliation day.

-> RPRC project in Richmond Culture Days ‘Art for Social Change’ Oct 23rd (thanks to RPRC staff Jessica and Theresa):

The RPRC’s current project group the ‘Richmond Advocacy & Support Committee (RASC)’ is part of Richmond’s 2021 Culture Days! Join them for an art exhibition and variety show on Oct 23rd from 1-3 pm in the Fisher Auditorium (Richmond Hospital) promoting laughter and learning through art, song, drama, poetry, and spoken word as group members share their insights and stories on the topic of mental health. They are looking forward to a return to the in-person format and COVID protocols will be adhered to. For more information on the RASC’s activities see www.facebook.com/rascproject.

-> Social Purpose Real Estate (SPRE) via City of Richmond:

SPRE has released a major study: ‘Space for Community: Understanding the Real Estate Challenges Affecting the Social Purpose Sector in BC.’ Highlights: 60% of social service agencies cannot find space they can afford. Rent increases for office space has increased up to 35% in the past 8 years in Vancouver, Richmond, and Burnaby. Many local service agencies in Richmond participated in the SPRE webinars that helped to inform the study. To read about these challenges and more, click here. For other supporting documents go to the Space for Community webpage.

-> BC Government ‘Get on Board’ free transit for 0-12 years:

Starting Sept 1st, children aged 12 and under ride for free on all buses, Skytrain, Seabus, and Westcoast Express. Free transit saves families money, gives people options to get around, attracts new riders, and promotes green transportation. The government estimates about 370,00 children will be eligible to ride for free, and families that purchase monthly passes will save from $420 to $687 per child. The RPRC is proud of the small part we played in convincing Richmond City Council and Richmond School Trustees to advocate to the BC government for free transit.

->BC Government ‘Back to School’ announcement:

Students of all ages head back to school on Tuesday, September 7. To help support students and staff, the BC government has invested in pandemic-related mental health programs and supports in schools. Masks are required in shared spaces in schools and for all students from grade 4-12. Masks for younger students are recommended, but not required. At colleges and universities, students must wear masks in indoor public areas. On-campus indoor venues like gyms, restaurants, sporting events, and concerts, will require proof of vaccination, and students living on campus need to show they’ve been vaccinated. All students aged 12 and older are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine and are encouraged to visit a walk-in clinic for a shot.

-> City of Richmond online survey:

The City of Richmond is seeking your input on your experience and involvement at our two outdoor swimming pools: Steveston and South Arm.
Please visit www.LetsTalkRichmond.ca to complete a short survey by Sunday, September 26. The input received will help prioritize pool space and times, as well as improve future programming.

Week of August 31

Greetings friends and members of the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition (RPRC): this is the 4th Weekly Roundup from the RPRC, with news from members and government sources to keep you up to speed on local happenings. If you have any updates or news, please send it to info@richmondprc.org and we will endeavour to get it out in a timely manner. Thanks all.

This week’s news:

-> Richmond Public Library (thanks to Millicent Mabi, permanent observer with the RPRC):

Richmond Public Library now has a page on its website for Indigenous Resources. This page provides the public with resources that focus on Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Metis) interests, perspectives, and concerns. Having a central location for our resources will provide staff and the public a space to honour, appreciate and recognize Indigenous Peoples.
The page is located here and is found below Newcomers on the drop-down menu for “Borrow, Use, Learn”

-> Richmond Virtual All Candidates Meeting Q&A (thanks to RCD and Kehila Society):

The RPRC, along with RPRC members Richmond Centre for Disability and Kehila Society/ Jewish Seniors Alliance, are co-hosting a virtual Q&A with all the federal candidates for Richmond. We are collecting and collating questions on social justice issues and will be posing them to all candidates by week’s end. When candidates respond, RCD techie wizards will add them to a template and send them to be posted on all our websites. So, stay tuned! And please forward the link far and wide so we are all informed on individual candidates’ views and party policy!

-> Richmond Sentinel (local free paper):

Exciting News! Richmond is set to receive funding from the provincial and federal governments to further its homelessness action plan. The City of Richmond is one of 48 communities throughout B.C. that is receiving funding to help take action against homelessness. In total, the city will get $3,348,947 towards its homelessness action plan in response to COVID-19. The funding comes through the Strengthening Communities’ Services Program, which is equally funded by the provincial and federal governments. We have no info from the City yet, but we will keep on it!

-> BC government Ministry of Health: Cleaning and dietary workers coming back in-house at BC acute care hospitals:

This could be good news for the mostly women workers in these jobs, and hopefully a way out of the COVID ‘she-session.’ Now perhaps they will review conditions in Long-Term Care homes!

-> Elections Canada: The Federal Election is Sept 21st:

There are many ways to vote. Election Day is September 20, 2021, and you can go with your voting card and vote at your polling station that day. But you can also vote early (Sept 10, 11, 12, 13), or register and vote by mail, or go to any Elections Canada office before Sept 14th to vote. Check out all the ways to vote. Broadcast this…we all have the right to vote!

Week of August 24

Greetings PRC friends and members: Here is our 3rd roundup, with info from our organization members and the BC government concerning proof of vaccination cards. If you have some news, just send it to info@richmondprc.org and we will endeavour to spread the word amongst our members and associates. Thanks!

-> From the Richmond Centre for Disability RCD (Thanks to Ella Huang): Check out all their activities, programs, info on Canadian Paralympians, and more here!

-> From RPRC Housing & Homelessness Standing Committee (Thanks to Susan, Alex, Donna, Judith, Meena):

The City of Coquitlam has beefed up their tenant relocation policy again, see link for details. The city policy dictates that developers provide renters three to ten months’ rent plus moving expenses, depending on the length of time they have tenanted a unit. The City of Richmond has a similar policy, but not as much protection for renters as Coquitlam. However, a gap remains in both policies. They only cover multi-family units, not private homes rented out where tenants can be renovicted. Some houses can comfortably and affordably house two families. But when the house is demolished, tenants have no recourse except under the Residential Tenancy Act. The RPRC brought this gap to the attention of the City some time ago, with no response or action. Perhaps one answer is to build more non-market housing?

-> From BC government re: Proof of Vaccination requirement: Individuals 12 and older will be required to provide proof of vaccination to access certain social and recreational settings, such as: indoor ticketed events, restaurants, fitness centres/ gyms, organized indoor events (weddings, etc), indoor group recreational classes and activities.

As of September 13, one dose of vaccine will be required for individuals 12 and older, to enter these settings. By October 24, entry to these settings will require individuals 12 and older, to be fully vaccinated, at least 7 days after receiving both doses. These requirements will not apply to retail, grocery stores, health services, or worship services – all non-discretionary services.

A secure web link will be provided and publicized widely before September 13, where people will be able to confidentially access their proof of vaccination. Individuals will be able to save a copy of their proof of vaccination to their phone to show when entering or using designated businesses and events. Individuals who cannot access their proof of vaccination online will be able to contact a provincial call-in centre to access an alternative to online proof of vaccination. To learn more about proof of vaccination requirements, you can find information here. Please continue to encourage your community members to get vaccinated at a drop-in clinic or by appointment.

Please feel free to email us at VCO.Stakeholders@gov.bc.ca if you have any questions.

Week of August 15

Greetings RPRC friends and members: Here is our Aug 15th roundup, info on government programs and opportunities for input:

-> Free Transit:

Families in BC depend on affordable transportation to get around. The government has announced free transit for kids under 12 starting Sept 1st.  This means:

  • Effective September 1, Kids 12 and Under will be able to ride free on public transit all over BC
  • On TransLink: Buses: No transit pass, ID, or accompanying traveller needed. Gated services: Fare-paying customer taps in up to 4 kids.
  • On HandyDART: Free travel as registered customer with adult (or with registered adult)
  • On BC Transit: Kids 6-12: No transit pass, ID, or accompanying traveler needed. Kids 5 and under: Ride free with someone 12+

Learn more: gov.bc.ca/kids-getonboard

-> Walk-In Clinics for Covid 19 shot:

The #VaxForBC campaign aims to make it easy for all BC residents to get their vaccine shots.

  • Walk-in clinics or mobile vax vans will be set up across communities in BC.
  • No need to book an appointment or phone ahead – just show up!

See link to find out where you can get your vaccine shot at: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/vaxforbc

-> Paid Sick Leave:

BC residents are invited to provide input into the development of a permanent paid sick leave program for BC. From August 5th until September 14th, 2021, you can let the government know what the program should look like. It will come into effect on January 1, 2022.

Opportunity to have your say: engage.gov.bc.ca/paidsickleave

-> Changes to Rental Tenancy Laws:

Nearly 50 percent of British Columbians rent their homes. Renters depend on fair rental practices so that they can have safe and secure housing. The BC government is:

  • Freezing rent until the end of 2021
  • Closing the fixed-term lease loophole
  • Making it easier for tenants to get compensation when a landlord lies about ending a tenancy
  • Establishing protections against illegal renovictions and demovictions

See more at this link.

Week of August 10

-> Family Services of Greater Vancouver (thanks to Pat Steiner):

It’s still summer but we are starting to think about the fall. We’d love your help to share this poster with your staff, participants, and volunteers as well as with anyone you think might be interested in this FREE on-line cooking group with language support. To register call Minoo Javadi 778.885.5165 or email Joanne at jmonteiro@fsgv.ca.

Practice your English and learn to cook low cost, healthy, and nutritious food. Learn about your community resources. Participants must register.

-> Richmond Family Place Thrift Store (thanks to Ruth Taverner):

Did you know that Richmond Family Place has a Thrift Store? This social enterprise generates income that goes directly back into our programming. Staffed almost entirely by a dedicated group of volunteers, we are open 6 days a week from 10:30 AM- 3:30 PM. We are proud that through our store we provide low-cost clothing and household items to Richmond residents, while also doing our part to keep items out of the landfill. We stock a wide assortment of clothing, household items, fashion accessories, games, and toys for all ages. If, like us, you love to go thrifting for that one-of-a-kind bargain treasure, we invite you to drop by and do some shopping. We accept gently used items during our open hours (no large furniture please). P.S. if you’re looking for the perfect volunteer experience, call us at 604.278.4336 or head over to our website http://www.richmondfamilyplace.ca/ and fill out a volunteer application form.

Richmond Mental Health Consumers & Friends Society/ RCFC (Thanks to Cory Tymich):

All RCFC programs are planned, organized, and implemented by peers for peers. Based on the principles of peer support, we provide the following programs: Note: All programs require a referral from a medical professional.

  • Peer Support Program: provides one-on-one support to people recovering from a mental illness. Goals are set and attained in 6 months.  For more information, email Jennifer at jennifer.campillo@vch.ca or call her at 604-675-3977 ext. 3.
  • Therapeutic Recreation Program: promotes wellness by providing therapeutic learning and social opportunities in a supportive recreational setting. For more information, email Lizette at lizette.toapanta@vch.ca call her at 604-675-3977 ext. 4.
  • Peer support social group program: offered in Cantonese and Mandarin provides positive opportunities to learn new things, acquire skills, socialize, and build relationships. For more information, email Icy at wai.chan@vch.ca or call her at 604-675-3977 ext. 5.

-> Richmond Homeless Connect/ RHC and Richmond Food Aid Delivery Coalition/FAD (thanks to numerous volunteers on this e-list):

The RHC and FAD teams are pleased to have been recipients of federal Reaching Home COVID Emergency Response funding for the past 16 months. The funding has ended but they are proud of how they were able to help Richmond residents during this challenging time. With the funds, they operated three programs for homeless and at-risk Richmond residents. This included distributing hygiene/ cleaning kits to over 1,200 individuals, providing relief fund grants for emergency needs to 27 individuals, and providing hot meals to 35 street-entrenched homeless five nights a week (about 12,000 meals). Thanks to all these dedicated Richmond volunteers!

-> YWCA Richmond housing for women and children (thanks to Bobbi Sarai):

There is a new YWCA housing project due to open in November 2021, providing 27 affordable units in the heart of Richmond at 6340 #3 Road, Richmond.  Studio and one, two and three-bedroom units. Serving single mothers and their children, also housing for single women without dependents. Prioritizing those fleeing violence from an intimate partner and those wishing to stay in Richmond. Minimum income thresholds apply. See links for more information:

https://ywcavan.org/programs/housing/application/predetermined-rent

https://ywcavan.org/programs/housing/richmond-project

-> City of Richmond Website revitalization: Editorial comment: For anyone who has tried to navigate the City of Richmond’s website, this is welcome news!

The City is preparing to revitalize our current website and we’re seeking public feedback on how it is used, and which areas may need improvement. Please visit LetsTalkRichmond.ca by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 22 to complete a short online survey and add your thoughts to a virtual ideas board. With so many possibilities, we’d like to learn which web features and services offer the greatest benefit to Richmond’s website users. The input received will help prioritize which features and improvements to consider in future website projects.

-> City of Richmond: Seniors Service Plan 2015-2020 (thanks to City staff Lesley Sherlock):

Please find attached a copy of the 2015–2020 Seniors Service Plan: Active and Healthy Living – 2020 Update. The City is currently in the process of developing a new 10-year Seniors Strategy to replace the two major plans for seniors that are nearing the end of their life cycles: The 2015 – 2020 Seniors Service Plan and the 2015 – 2020 Age-Friendly Assessment and Action Plan. Staff are currently gathering input from community stakeholders that will inform the development of this new Seniors Strategy for Richmond.  For more information or to request a hard copy, please contact Debbie Hertha, Program Lead, Seniors at 604-276-4175 or dhertha@richmond.ca.

-> BC Government Seniors Guide (Thanks to Deb Turner):

The BC Seniors’ guide has recently been updated, which is a comprehensive resource providing important information on health, housing, finances community supports and more to help seniors continue to live well.

Printed copies are available in seven different languages and can be ordered by calling (toll-free): 1 877 952-3181.

Download or pick up a copy of the the new BC Seniors’ Guide