The Steveston community has been gathering in a variety of places over the past century — from a converted courthouse to the current community centre, slated to close in December, to a $90-million Steveston Community Centre and Library that’s expected to open late next year.
The new Steveston Community Centre and Library building is taking shape in the heart of the village with its swooping lines and wood accents already visible on Moncton Street.
The project is expected to be completed in 2026.
The current community centre was built in 1957, and some of the funding was raised by Steveston residents.
Before that, the Steveston Community Hall — currently Anar Restaurant — was used for gatherings in Steveston.
The hall itself has a storied history.
According to the Friends of the Richmond Archives, the Steveston Community Hall on Third Avenue was built in 1927 on the site of an older courthouse and firehall.
Court was in session in the building during the 1920s and 1930s. During the Second World War, it was headquarters for the local Red Cross.
After the war, it was turned into the Steveston Community Hall, but was left unused after the current community centre was built.
The City of Richmond designated it a heritage building before it was sold in 1987 and restored by the new owners.
Panel could oversee construction
Richmond city council has established a “blue-ribbon panel” of experts to oversee large municipal projects, and they are currently overseeing the reconstruction of the city’s worksyard on Lynas Lane.
Coun. Kash Heed has put forward a motion for Tuesday’s general purposes committee meeting to have this “major projects oversight committee” oversee construction of the new 60,000-square-foot Steveston Community Centre and Library.
The new community centre will have a double gymnasium, fitness centre, active studio, and multipurpose and meeting rooms, gathering spaces and a shared community living room; and a library with enhanced collections, children’s and youth spaces, educational program rooms and space for silent study.
The current community centre will close on Dec. 1.
Some programs will be cancelled and others relocated to temporary locations.
For more information, check the city’s website.
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