2008 News and Information
Richmond’s Building Pace Remains Strong
09 January 2008The City of Richmond’s building activities remained strong in 2007 with the value of construction for issued building permits reaching $575 million.
“Many large projects are currently moving through planning and building approvals,” said John Irving, Director, Building Approvals. “The value of construction in 2007 indicates Richmond’s building activity will likely continue at a similar pace through 2008.” The City’s housing starts moderately slowed to 1,946 in 2007 from 2,362 in 2006. Housing start figures indicate the number of residential building construction projects started in a year and assist in tracking general trends in the economy. Managing Growth
With Richmond’s downtown population anticipated to triple in size, from 41,000 to 120,000 residents over the next 100 years, the City of Richmond is managing population growth through a number of plans. Richmond’s growth is provided for within the Official Community Plan which is a comprehensive long-range vision for planning and managing the City's social, economic and physical future. Staff and Council use the plan when making decisions about zoning, development and service provision. As part of its commitment to managing growth, Richmond has launched a number of initiatives, including a major update of its City Centre Area Plan, the development of a new Affordable Housing Strategy and new plans around the Richmond Oval. As well, the City is participating in Metro Vancouver’s update of the regional growth management strategy to assist in creating a sustainable region. For more information on Richmond’s planning and zoning plans, please visit our Planning and Zoning section.
