The need for affordable rental housing

The City is advancing on an opportunity to develop much-needed affordable rental housing through the Aberdeen Rental Residences development.

As an important step toward this, the City has selected The New Vista Society as its non-profit partner. New Vista will be applying for senior government funding to build and operate the rental housing.

Ultimately, the objective is to build homes that will serve the needs of seniors, families, members of the local workforce and other low and moderate-income households.

The project considers the development of one or two six-storey apartment buildings, which could deliver between 200 and 240 homes, to be located between 3660 and 3740 Sexsmith Road. The development of this form of apartment housing requires rezoning. Through this process, we look to gather your input to further inform how the project proceeds. This feedback will be shared with Richmond Council at the time of presenting the rezoning application and through regular updates.

Supportive housing will not be built on this site nor on the neighbouring Cambie/Sexsmith lands to the south. That proposal was cancelled by Council in February 2025.

Securing funding to build affordable rental housing

The advancement of any form of development is largely contingent on the receipt of capital and operational funding from senior levels of government.

On May 30, 2025, BC Housing released an open call for funding through its Community Housing Fund (CHF) Program. While the first intake period is now closed, the City anticipates a future call. Proceeding through a rezoning process would help best position the City, and its partners, to secure funding at the time of any future funding call, whether it be through the CHF Program or another comparable senior government funding program.

Combining City resources with The New Vista Society’s proven experience in delivering high-quality, affordable housing, strengthens the City’s eligibility for provincial funding. and apply for BC Housing’s Community Housing Fund. The development remains contingent on securing this senior-government funding.

Our commitment

The City remains committed to delivering attainable housing options that strengthen Richmond communities -- ensuring people of all income levels can live near friends and family, schools, jobs, childcare and opportunities that matter most.

We welcome your feedback and look forward to hearing from you.