The City of Richmond is looking for public feedback on its new Cultural Harmony Plan.
Throughout September, the city will be hosting three drop-in style open houses where Richmond residents can meet with city staff to discuss the drafted plan, which was approved by council for public feedback on June 24. The plan covers a span of ten years, from 2019 through to 2029.
Richmondites can also complete an online feedback form on LetsTalkRichmond.ca. The form will be open from Tuesday, Sept. 10 until Sunday, Sept. 29.
The city has the highest proportion of residents — over 60 per cent — who were born outside of Canada. And according to the 2016 census, Richmondites have over 150 different ethnic origins and speak over 100 different languages.
According to the draft plan, cultural harmony is achieved “when we respect and value diversity, foster and promote a welcoming and inclusive community, and ensure equitable outcomes for all regardless of race, culture, ethnicity and length of time in Canada.”
The goal of the plan is to find innovative and collaborative approaches to strengthening the connections between Richmond residents, across their various backgrounds and cultures. The plan will also identify programs and services that residents need and, particularly for newcomers and immigrants, work to remove barriers to connecting to, and participating in, life in Richmond.
Some of these initiatives will include helping skilled newcomers find volunteer or internship opportunities, according to the draft plan, as finding a job that fits their experience can be challenge.
The plan also looks at promoting awareness and inclusion, and pursuing partnership and collaborative opportunities within the community.
“The draft Cultural Harmony Plan demonstrates the city’s leadership in building on its social inclusion practices,” said Mayor Malcom Brodie in a press release.
“It also signifies the city’s role in responding to the evolving needs of Richmond’s increasingly diverse population, which includes long-time residents, immigrants and newcomers.”
After the period of public consultation ends, the feedback received will be used to help finalize the plan, which will then be presented to city council.
The drop-in open houses will take place on the following dates:
- Tuesday, Sept. 10: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at South Arm Community Centre, 8880 Williams Road
- Tuesday, Sept. 17: Noon to 2 p.m. at Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate
- Saturday, Sept. 21: 10 a.m. – noon at Cambie Community Centre, 12800 Cambie Road
For more information, visit Richmond.ca/CulturalHarmony
