A wide angle shot of an indoor open house. Several people are standing talking to each other or looking at project display boards

Here's a summary of the ongoing engagement opportunities we created to welcome public feedback on this affordable rental housing initiative.

Direct invitation mailed to residents

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

Open houses

  • 4 events held on August 21 and September 4, 2025
  • 104 attendees

Let's Talk Richmond

  • launched August 1, 2025
  • 609 unique visitors to-date
  • 9 questions asked to-date

Meetings with representatives from 2 neighboring strata councils

  • areas of concerns were received and in-depth discussions took place
  • clarification of misunderstandings were explored

Key themes we heard in your feedback

Ongoing Relationship Building with Surrounding Community

  • While many noted that trust was initially lacking within the community, several attendees were pleased that the City was actively engaging the public through the open houses and on-line engagement platforms and that this is helping to address trust issues.

Need for affordable housing

    • There was overall recognition that there is need for affordable housing in the community.
    • Staff noted the City’s ongoing work in the creation of a registry of upcoming low end market rental (LEMR) homes in addition to a list of those seeking access to LEMR housing.

Clarity on the intended use of the site

  • Some attendees voiced concern about claims that supportive housing would be located on the site. Staff clarified that the proposal is for affordable rental housing, some attendees expressed support.
  • There were some concerns regarding the inclusion of “deeply subsidized” housing in the proposal. Staff communicated to attendees that the housing is intended to serve those such as seniors living on a fixed income, persons receiving disability supports, and others who cannot afford market or below-market rents but can live independently.

Desire for greater accountability regarding the tenanting and operating of the project

  • There is a need to bring the utmost level of transparency and accountability for future Non-Profit Housing Operators regarding tenanting the building and upholding community interests.