Dear Editor,
Re: “Know your neighbour, stay healthy,” News, Dec. 4.
Richmond has been called Canada’s healthiest city, and many health indicators support this assessment.
The recent article “Know your neighbour, stay healthy,” allows us to re-examine the reasons for this description.
Richmond residents live on average four years longer than the rest of the country, have lower rates of obesity, drink and smoke less, while they are less likely to report having high stress levels to the rest of Metro Vancouver.
A recent survey suggested that Richmond residents don’t feel connected to their community.
Connectedness is an important factor on which the city does focus, not only in terms of health, but also in order to create a vibrant and livable city.
In order to strengthen our community, the city has been working hard with our partners to provide facilities and programs, and to support our organizations.
For example, we heard the residents of Richmond who said they needed accessible spaces to meet and socialize.
When the city built the new City Centre Community Centre, we created a community living room as a welcoming community space, where people can relax and share.
The city’s other community centres also provide similar community gathering spaces.
The recently-completed Terra Nova Play Environment provides an innovative play area that attracts many families and community groups.
The new Minoru Complex, to be completed in 2017, will include a Seniors Centre complete with community gathering spaces.
The numerous events hosted by the city and its partners demonstrate the city’s commitment to creating social connection.
For example, the very successful Richmond World Festival, open and accessible to all, celebrates the diversity of our community.
Several city initiatives seek to engage newcomers in community life.
For instance, the city provides a multi-language Newcomers Guide as a comprehensive localized guide to settlement in Richmond, including how to access volunteer opportunities.
The city also works with immigrant-service agencies, such as SUCCESS, Immigrant Services Society (ISS) and Richmond Multicultural Community Services to cross-promote programs and services while jointly working on community planning as well as arts and cultural initiatives.
Our city has a very diverse geographic area and population which can make the creation of social connections more challenging.
However, we will continue to encourage our residents to access our facilities, programs, and opportunities that are open to everyone.
The City of Richmond is committed to working with community organizations and stakeholders to improve the lives of Richmond residents.
By improving social connectedness, the city improves the overall health of the community.
Malcolm D. Brodie
Mayor
