Steveston Revisited: 1859-2026


Steveston Revisited: 1859-2026

New book "Steveston Revisited: 1859-2026" chronicles the rich history of Steveston

View of the outside of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Steveston

A new book celebrating the storied past of Steveston, one of Richmond's most beloved historic communities, is now available to the public. Steveston Revisited: 1859-2026, authored by outgoing City Councillor Bill McNulty, offers readers a comprehensive and richly illustrated look at the neighbourhood's transformation from a 19th-century settlement into the vibrant waterfront community it is today.

Spanning more than 165 years, the book traces Steveston's origins as a hub for the salmon canning industry, its growth as a gathering point for Indigenous, Japanese-Canadian, Chinese-Canadian and European settler communities, and its ongoing evolution into a cherished destination for residents and visitors alike. The book features more than 100 previously unseen images, alongside historical records and personal accounts, capturing the resilience, culture and community spirit that have defined the area across generations.

The book arrives at a timely moment for Steveston, a neighbourhood working to preserve its historic character while adapting to growth and change along Richmond's waterfront. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery, a National Historic Site, remains a touchstone of that history even as the surrounding area continues to evolve.

The City of Richmond Archives played a key role in bringing the book to life, providing access to historical photographs, records and documents that helped shape its narrative.

"The Richmond Archives was essential in helping this book come alive," said Dammy Ogunseitan, Director of Communications and Marketing for the City of Richmond. "It's wonderful to see our city's historical collections used to tell such a meaningful story about Steveston, and I'm happy to see the Archives play a part in preserving and sharing this history with the community."

In the book's acknowledgements, Councillor McNulty thanked the Steveston Community Society for providing access to its files and photographs, the City of Richmond Archives for its assistance with his research, and the many individuals he interviewed throughout the writing process.

Steveston Revisited: 1859-2026 is available through the author Councillor Bill McNulty.