Richmond’s Centre for Disability has found a new home in Lansdowne Centre, after looking to relocate for several years.
In February, a rezoning sign was posted on the side of RCD’s building at 100-5671 No. 3 Rd. However, Ella Huang, executive director, told the Richmond News at the time that the organization had “started the whole process of relocation” in 2015. Now, RCD is hoping to be in its new home by January, 2019.
“We’re very happy that we’re going to move to the new location,” Huang said. “It’s a new perspective we’re taking on, because having a social service agency inside a shopping mall is not very usual.”
Huang said that the new location is larger, has ample parking space and easy access to shops. One challenge the organization has faced is changing some of its programs. For example, RCD offers occasional cooking classes, but the new space doesn’t have a kitchen. As a result, RCD has partnered with the Garratt Wellness Centre to run the classes there.
“That creates opportunity to look outside,” said Huang about the need to adjust RCD’s programs. “In a way it’s also broadening our reach.”
Huang added that RCD may need to close temporarily, perhaps in December, as the organization moves but that the organization is working to ensure there is little disruption to their services.
