Community Resources
Useful information for everyday life in Richmond.
Whether you're new to Richmond or have lived here for years, knowing where to find reliable local information can make everyday life a little easier.
From city services and utilities to healthcare, libraries, emergency information and newcomer resources, we've gathered some of the key places Richmond residents can turn to for information and support.
Everyday City Services, All in One Place
From property taxes and garbage collection to permits, roads and local bylaws, the City of Richmond provides many of the services residents rely on every day. Knowing where to find the right information can make settling into a new home—and managing everyday life in Richmond—a lot easier.
For current schedules, fees, regulations and service updates, the City of Richmond should always be your primary source.
Property Taxes & Utilities
Find information about Richmond property taxes, utility billing, property assessments and other municipal services related to owning a home in the city.
Garbage, Recycling & Green Cart
Check collection schedules and learn how Richmond handles household garbage, recycling, food scraps, yard trimmings and other materials. Residents can also find information about large-item disposal and recycling options.
Permits, Licences & Bylaws
Whether you're planning renovations, applying for a permit or simply wondering about a local regulation, the City provides information about building and development permits, business licences and Richmond bylaws.
Roads, Streets & City Maintenance
Find information about road maintenance, snow and ice response, street lighting, drainage and other City services that help keep Richmond's neighbourhoods running.
Getting Your Home Connected
Moving into a new home comes with a few practical details. Depending on the property, you may need to arrange electricity or natural gas service, while water and sewer services are managed through the City of Richmond.
If you're moving into a condo or townhome, some services may be included in your strata fees, so it's worth confirming what's included before setting up new accounts.
Electricity
BC Hydro
BC Hydro provides electricity service throughout Richmond. New residents can open an account, move an existing service to a new address or manage their account online.
Natural Gas
FortisBC
If your Richmond home uses natural gas, FortisBC allows customers to start, stop or transfer service when moving to a new address.
Water & Sewer
City of Richmond
The City of Richmond manages municipal water and sewer services. Billing and metering can vary depending on the property, so homeowners can check the City's current information for rates, billing and water services.
Buying a Condo or Townhome?
Some utilities and services may be included in your monthly strata fees. Before setting up new accounts, review the property's strata documents to see what's included and which services you'll need to arrange yourself.
Healthcare in Richmond
Richmond residents have access to hospital care, urgent and primary care, family practices, pharmacies and other health services throughout the community.
Whether you're new to Richmond and looking for a primary care provider or simply need to know where to find care when you need it, these resources are a good place to start.
Richmond Hospital
Located on Westminster Highway in central Richmond, Richmond Hospital provides acute and emergency hospital services to the community and is part of Vancouver Coastal Health.
7000 Westminster Highway, Richmond
Primary Care
If you don't have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, B.C.'s Health Connect Registry can help connect eligible residents with a primary care provider when one becomes available. Richmond is also served by a network of primary care clinics and providers.
Urgent & Primary Care
Richmond has Urgent and Primary Care Centres for health concerns that require timely attention but are not medical emergencies. These centres provide same-day care for eligible non-emergency illnesses and injuries.
Health Information & 8-1-1
HealthLink BC provides health information and helps residents find healthcare services throughout the province. You can also call 8-1-1 to speak with a health service navigator or be connected with an appropriate healthcare professional.
Is it an emergency?
For a life-threatening illness or injury, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department.
More Than a Library
Richmond Public Library is a community hub for learning, connection and discovery. Along with books and digital collections, the library offers programs, technology, study spaces and resources for residents of all ages.
With locations throughout Richmond and a wide range of online services, it's a useful resource whether you're raising a family, new to the community or simply looking to learn something new.
Books, Digital Resources & More
Borrow books, magazines and other materials, or access eBooks, audiobooks, newspapers, databases and other digital resources through the library's online collection.
Programs for All Ages
Richmond Public Library offers programs and events for children, teens and adults, including storytimes, workshops, learning opportunities and community activities.
New to Richmond
For newcomers to Richmond, the library can be a helpful starting point for finding community information, language-learning resources and services that can make settling into a new city easier.
Library Locations Throughout Richmond
Richmond Public Library has branches serving different parts of the city, including Brighouse, Ironwood, Cambie and Steveston, along with additional library services and online resources.
Public Safety in Richmond
Richmond's public safety services include police, fire-rescue and emergency preparedness programs that help residents respond to emergencies and prepare for unexpected events.
Knowing who to contact—and where to find reliable information—can make it easier to get the right help when you need it.
The City identifies Police/RCMP, Fire-Rescue, Emergency Programs, Community Bylaws and Animal Protection Services among Richmond's primary public-safety services.
Richmond RCMP
Richmond RCMP provides policing services throughout the city, with a main detachment on No. 5 Road as well as community policing offices in several Richmond neighbourhoods.
For an emergency requiring immediate police assistance, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency police matters, Richmond RCMP can be reached at 604-278-1212.
Richmond Fire-Rescue
Richmond Fire-Rescue responds to fires, medical emergencies, rescues and other emergency situations while also providing fire prevention, safety education and preparedness resources for the community.
For an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Emergency Preparedness
Richmond's Emergency Programs provide information to help residents prepare for events such as earthquakes, floods and other major emergencies. Resources include household emergency planning, emergency supplies and information about local hazards.
Stay Informed During an Emergency
Richmond BC Alert is the City's emergency notification system. Residents can register to receive important information and instructions during emergencies such as floods, fires, hazardous-material incidents and other events that may affect public safety.
Newcomers Guide to Richmond
A Guide to Getting Settled
Moving to a new city can mean learning a lot at once — and moving to a new country can add an entirely different set of questions.
Richmond offers resources to help newcomers learn about their community, connect with services, improve language skills, explore employment opportunities and get settled into life in Canada.
Settlement & Community
Newcomer services can help people understand available government and community resources and navigate some of the practical steps involved in settling into life in Richmond and Canada.
Language & Learning
English-language programs, conversation groups and other learning opportunities are available through organizations and community resources in Richmond. Eligibility, cost and program availability can vary.
Employment & Careers
Newcomers can access resources to help with job searching, resumes, employment readiness and understanding the local labour market. Programs and eligibility vary between organizations.
Looking for Immigration or Citizenship Information?
Immigration applications, permanent residence, work and study permits, citizenship and other federal immigration matters are handled by the Government of Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions About Services in Richmond
Where can I find information about City of Richmond services?
The City of Richmond provides information about property taxes, utilities, garbage and recycling, permits, bylaws, roads, parks, recreation and other municipal services. For current schedules, fees and service information, the City's official website is the best place to start.
How do I set up utilities when moving to Richmond?
Electricity service is generally provided by BC Hydro, while homes with natural gas service are typically served by FortisBC. Water and sewer services are managed by the City of Richmond. If you're moving into a condo or townhome, check your strata documents first, as some services may be included in your strata fees.
Where is Richmond Hospital?
Richmond Hospital is located at 7000 Westminster Highway in central Richmond and provides emergency and acute hospital services through Vancouver Coastal Health.
How can I find a family doctor or nurse practitioner in Richmond?
B.C.'s Health Connect Registry allows eligible residents who need a family doctor or nurse practitioner to register to be connected with a primary care provider when one becomes available.
Where can newcomers to Richmond find support?
The City of Richmond's Newcomer's Guide is a helpful starting point for information about settling into the community. Newcomers can also access settlement, language, employment and community resources through local organizations and government programs.
How do I prepare for emergencies in Richmond?
The City of Richmond provides emergency preparedness information to help residents prepare for events such as earthquakes, flooding and other emergencies. Residents can also register for Richmond BC Alert, the City's emergency notification system.
Ready to Make Richmond Home?
Finding the right place to live is about more than the home itself. It's also about understanding the community, knowing what's nearby and feeling confident about where you're putting down roots.
If you're considering a move to Richmond, Chris and Angela can help you find a home and neighbourhood that fit the way you want to live.
Information and services may change. For current program details, eligibility and contact information, please refer to the official organizations linked throughout this page.
