December 2025 Newsletter

Happy Holidays,

December is a wonderful time of year, filled with family, treats and cheer! I hope that you enjoy the winter season, and explore all that Richmond has to offer.

We are lucky to have our small businesses for holiday shopping, and streets of beautiful lights all around the city to light the way! The Steveston winter village event, which operates until December 31st, boasts bright lights, photo-ready spots and unique window displays—perfect for a night of holiday fun.

Included in this newsletter:

Support local this Holiday Season

Upcoming Events in Richmond for the Holidays

Resources for those Affected by the Steveston Fire

Sanmon Gate Official Opening at the Steveston Buddhist Temple

Out and About in the Community

Weather Warnings Across BC

Support Local This Holiday Season!

Did you know that for every dollar spent at a local business, 66 cents stays in the local economy? Conversely, when we buy from big corporations that drops to 11 cents.

This holiday season, choose B.C. made gifts and experiences!

Thanks to the Steveston Merchants Society, I had a wonderful night at Girls Night Out. This shopping experience was a wonderful way to connect to other Richmond residents, and support local.

To read up on the small business selection in Steveston, visit the Steveston Merchants Society website here:

Explore Steveston - Steveston Merchants Association

If any small business in Richmond-Steveston would like one of our shop local signs, please get in touch and we will drop one off to your business. Email your request to: Kelly.Greene.MLA@leg.bc.ca.

Upcoming Events in Richmond For the Holidays

As the holiday season is well under way, here are some great local events to check out with friends and family!

• Festival of Trees at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery: Explore all the decorated trees lining the halls of the Cannery! You can vote on your favorite tree, and is included in the cost of admission. Viewing dates are from November 30-December 31st.

• Winter Wonderland at City Hall: Enjoy the Christmas tree and lights display! The tree is on display until December 24th, and the lights until December 31st. Visitors encouraged to bring a food bank donation.

• Steveston’s Winter Village: Lights and business window displays are decorating the streets of historic Steveston Village until December 31st.

• Richmond Christmas Market: Free admission to shop handmade gifts and treats. From Dec.6-23, Monday-Thursday and Sunday 11-7, and Friday-Saturday 11- 8 pm.

• Holiday Dog Parade: Hosted by the Steveston Merchants Association, the annual dog parade starts at 10:30 am. Join the parade with your dog, and there are photo opportunities with Santa for your dressed-up pup!

Resources for Those Affected by the Steveston Fire

To my friends and neighbours affected by the devastating apartment fire in Steveston, my heart is with you.

Below are some of the available resources to help those affected, and as always feel welcome to reach out to my office for help, at: Kelly.Greene.MLA@leg.bc.ca.

• SAFER is a program for low-moderate seniors 60+ that provides $ to help subsidize rent Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters (SAFER) | BC Housing

• BC Rent Bank provides resources & short term loans to help with housing stability in a financial crisis

• Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives  (604) 279-7020 – can provide various referrals depending on type of need

• CHIMO (604) 279-7077 Chimo Community Services - A non-profit organization serving people in crisis, transition and through education. They know a lot about housing supports & may be able to provide info on emergency housing.

• For anyone on income assistance, including those with a Persons with Disabilities designation with the province, they may be able to access a Crisis Supplement. The case worker should have reached out to them already, but here is some information in case:  Crisis Supplement - Province of British Columbia

Sanmon Gate Official Opening at the Steveston Buddhist Temple

I was honoured to be invited to the San Mon Gate ribbon cutting ceremony by Rev. Grant Ikuta at the Steveston Buddhist Temple.

The San Mon gate (山門), translated as “Mountain Gate”, is a symbol of entering a place of worship and reflection. Rev. Ikuta describes that the San Mon gate is to honour the past, present and future.

The Steveston Buddhist Temple has been a important presence in our community since 1929.

Out and About in the Community

Use Caution, be Safe on the South and Central Coasts this Week

People traveling across the province should drive with caution as BC faces multiple weather warnings. British Columbia will be hit with a series of atmospheric rivers impacting the Pacific Northwest and increasing flood risk.

A flood warning has been issued for Fraser Valley communities and lower Fraser River tributaries and the Sumas River. A Flood Warning means river levels HAVE exceeded riverbanks or will exceed them soon. Flooding of nearby areas will happen.

Additionally, British Columbians should prepare for hazardous travel along the mountain passes as they face copious amounts of snowfall. People should be aware, have a plan and take steps to prepare for potential impacts.

Important Resources

• Flood-risk information and active evacuation alerts and orders can be found at @EmergencyInfoBC on X (formerly Twitter), or by visiting: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/

• To check for road conditions and potential road closures, please use: https://www.drivebc.ca/

• For more information about flood warnings and high streamflow advisories, visit: https://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings/index.htm

• For more information about flood preparedness, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/floods      

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For general BC vaccination info, visit this page.

To read and better prepare for household safety, visit PreparedBC webpage.