Eight people in a meeting room with info boards on display

Thank you to everyone who attended the public information meetings, asked questions, and shared ideas and concerns.

30 people attended the December 15 and 16 information meetings.

Thank you for helping us better understand neighbourhood priorities, concerns and opportunities. Your ongoing feedback will guide us in shaping the proposed rental housing and help ensure it reflects community needs.

Engagement snapshot

Direct invitation mailed to residents

  • over 1,600 letters sent to neighbouring residents and businesses within 200 metres of the property
  • invitation to the information meeting and to visit the Let's Talk Richmond online page

Public information meetings

  • 2 sessions held on December 15, 2025 and 2 sessions held on December 16, 2025
  • 30 attendees

Let's Talk Richmond (online)

  • launched August 1, 2025
  • 1,099 unique visitors as of December 23, 2025
  • 17 questions asked as of December 23, 2025

You are welcome to continue asking us questions and sharing your thoughts.

Key themes we heard in your feedback

The public information meetings provided an opportunity for participants to meet members of the project team and explore and provide feedback on the proposed preliminary concepts. Staff heard a range of comments from attendees over both days.

Ongoing Relationship Building with Surrounding Community

  • A number of attendees initially expressed a lack of trust in the City due to concerns pertaining to the potential introduction of supportive housing at the site.
  • Throughout the public information meetings, staff reiterated supportive housing would not be permitted through the rezoning process and the previous proposal for supportive housing was cancelled by Council.
  • Most attendees expressed appreciation for the meeting and the availability of translation services in Cantonese and Mandarin. This translation support helped address misinformation regarding the project and those to be served by it.
  • Some attendees asked who may occupy the development, citing concerns about the potential accommodation of those with drug addictions, a criminal record or mental health challenges.
  • City and New Vista staff provided reassurance to residents regarding the intended use and targeted occupants (i.e. seniors, families, members of the local workforce, and those with disabilities). New Vista also communicated their management approach and oversight of day-to-day operations, further clarifying that outside of long-term care for seniors, they do not provide any form of housing with on-site (24/7) supports.
  • A number of attendees noted the need for affordable housing for seniors who struggle to navigate the housing market and may rely on government subsidies.
  • There were several attendees who stated they were either interested in, or actively searching for, affordable housing in Richmond. They asked a range of questions regarding the overall application process such information required for an application, average waiting time, and tenant eligibility requirements.

Three design concepts were presented on the information boards used during the public information meetings. Comments pertaining to the concepts noted a desire for:

  • Accessibility features designed for seniors and those with physical disabilities
  • Enhanced landscaped open space (greenery)
  • Multi-purpose spaces tailored for older adults
  • A design that is compatible with the existing neighbourhood – project should not look like “affordable housing”