January 2026 Newsletter
- Kelly Greene
- Jan 23
- 4 min read
Happy 2026!
As we begin a new year, I reflect on the work that we’ve done together to make Richmond a better place to live. We have advanced to the next phase of redevelopment for the Richmond Hospital. The Lions Manor-Fentiman Place long term care project is underway with rezoning, and starting the next steps of the project. We have opened safe housing for women and children, and broken ground on school replacements and additions.
We also faced many challenges together, including the recent flooding and storms which impacted many of us throughout B.C. In times like these I am reminded that hope is an active word, and takes action in the belief that what we do matters. This is why, even when facing challenges, our community comes together to make it a better place for everyone.
In this newsletter:
EV Charging Station in Steveston
Enhancing Public Safety
Staying Up to Date with Vaccines
Steveston Interchange
Lunar New Year
Lions Manor-Fentiman and Richmond Hospital
EV Charging in Steveston
BC Hydro has opened a new electric vehicle charging station in Steveston, with eight charging ports in the Gulf of Georgia Cannery parking lot. In collaboration with Parks Canada, this site can add up to 180 kilometers of driving to an average EV in about 10 minutes.
I am delight to see that Richmond families and businesses now have access to eight new fast-charging ports right here in Steveston. This hub makes driving electric more convenient and connects our community to B.C.’s growing clean transportation network.
The adoption of EVs across British Columbia has increased significantly, with more than 200,000 EVs on the road. BC Hydro is continuing to expand a fast-charging network with more hub sites to come, with a focus on highway corridors and highly populated areas.
For more information visit:
Enhancing Public Safety
2025 was a strong year for investments in public safety to address repeat violent offending, street disorder and retail theft. An evaluation by the province shows that there faster charge approvals and increased time in custody for high-risk violent offenders.
The Repeat Violent Offending Intervention Initiative (ReVOII) is showing strong results, with clear evidence of reduced offending.
The Special Investigation and Targeted Enforcement (SITE) and the new Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement Program (C-STEP), are two initiatives that are further supporting proactive policing and safter neighbourhoods across B.C.
These strong results demonstrate how the investments we are making in public safety are making a difference.
Ensure to Stay Up to Date with Vaccines
It’s important to get your influenza immunization to protect yourself this winter.
Everyone 6 months and older who is a B.C. resident can get a influenza immunization free of charge. For getting your vaccine, you have multiple options. You can book an appointment at a health authority clinic or pharmacy, or book with your primary health care provider.
Many pharmacies in Richmond offer walk-in vaccinations!
It is also important to stay up-to-date on your measles vaccines. Measles is a highly contagious and spreads easily. The good news is that two doses of the measles vaccine are 99 percent effective at preventing measles.
For measles information, and vaccine information: Measles
For more information on Influenza Vaccines: Influenza (flu) vaccine - Province of British Columbia
For information about where to get vaccinated, visit: Where to get immunized | HealthLink BC
For viewing your current immunization status, visit health gateway to access your health records. This is open to anyone over 12 years of age. Access your health records with Health Gateway - Province of British Columbia
Steveston Interchange is Open!
Completed on-time and on-budget, the five-lane Steveston Interchange is open!
This new and updated interchange is a huge improvement compared to the 1950s crossing. The interchange will help people get around within Richmond, make travel by transit more timely, and improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
While this marks the end of major construction, work will continue through spring 2026 to complete landscaping, on- and off-ramp paving, and other roadwork activities related to the final completion of the project.
While the interchange is open, it was the first step of a larger redevelopment of the Highway 99 Tunnel Project. For updates on the project, visit: Current Work – Highway 99 Tunnel Program.
Lunar New Year
I am getting excited for Lunar New Year, and preparing envelopes for this year’s events and festivities!
There are many wonderful events that are happening here in Richmond, from the Aberdeen Centre Flower and Gift Fair, the dragon dance at Lansdowne, or the family-oriented fun at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, there are events for all!
Dates and specifics for these events can be found at Tourism Richmond’s website: Lunar New Year: The Insider's Guide
Celebrate this festive time of year with family and friends, and experience the excitement in our community!
Lions Manor-Fentiman and Richmond Hospital
Current updated on the Richmond Hospital Redevelopment project:
The project is making moves forward. With the introduction of the Psychiatric Assessment Unit and the UBC Medical Education Centre, there is room for the demolition and construction of the acute care tower.
The site preparation work is upcoming, and expected for spring 2026.
To stay updated on the project, visit both:
Current updates on the Lions Manor-Fentiman project:
December 15th marked a step-forward with the rezoning process. Richmond City Council has made progress with the rezoning, which brings us all one step closer to having much needed care in our community.
Recent updates on the project can be found at:
Know a Chinese speaker who wants to read government news more easily? Refer them to the official BC government Weibo - @卑诗省府GovernmentofBC 的个人主页 - 微博 (weibo.com)
For general BC vaccination info, visit this page.
To read and better prepare for household safety, visit PreparedBC webpage.
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