Richmond Connects
Online Activities and Resources
Welcome to the City of Richmond’s online hub created to support and stay connected with community members during this unprecedented time. In addition to enhancing individual and community well-being, your participation in Richmond Connects will continue to highlight our city as an active and healthy community as we continue to strive for excellence in wellness, recreation, sport, health and physical activity.
The hub’s recreational opportunities include virtual activities related to physical activity, sport, arts, culture and heritage, in addition to wellness resources and creative stay-at-home challenges for citizens of every age to enjoy the benefits of being active and connected to their community.
If posting a photo or video of how you're connecting at home, don't forget to share using the hashtag #RichmondConnects.
Select a Category:
Fitness
Preschoolers (up to 5 years)
Children (6 to 12 years)
Youth (13 to 18 years)
Adults (19+ years)
55+ years
Virtual Resources
Arts, Culture and Heritage
Connect with Us!
Fitness
Live Stream Fitness Videos
Live stream fitness videos are now available through the Zoom app! Join some of your favourite Fitness Instructors and Coordinators from the comfort of your own home. Limited equipment required. Upon registration, a Zoom class link will be emailed along with a PAR-Q form by 4PM the day before the program start date.
Click here to login and register
Registration is also available by phone through the Registration Call Centre (604-276-4300), Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm.
Note: Registration closes 24 hours prior to the start of each class. Limited space available.
Step-by-Step guide to downloading Zoom: 
Zoom
| Date & Time | Course Name | Barcode |
|---|---|---|
| Tue Aug 11 12:15-1:00pm |
YOGA FUSION Instructor: Tina |
#43361 (Free) |
| Wed Aug 12 9:00-9:45am |
TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING Instructor: Jennifer |
#43240 (Free) |
| Wed Aug 12 9:30-10:15am |
YOGA: CORE Instructor: Kelly |
#42696 (Free) |
| Wed Aug 12 10:00-10:45am |
CHAIR FITNESS - 55+ Instructor: Jeannie |
#43246 (Free) |
| Wed Aug 12 12:15-1:00pm |
TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING Instructor: Tina |
#43366 (Free) |
| Mon Aug 17 9:30-10:15am |
YOGA: HATHA STYLE Instructor: Kelly |
#42693 (Free) |
| Mon Aug 17 10:00-10:45am |
FIT AND FUNCTIONAL Instructor: Linda |
#43234 (Free) |
| Tue Aug 18 12:15-1:00pm |
YOGA FUSION Instructor: Tina |
#43363 (Free) |
| Wed Aug 19 9:00-9:45am |
TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING Instructor: Jennifer |
#43241 (Free) |
| Wed Aug 19 9:30-10:15am |
YOGA: CORE Instructor: Kelly |
#42698 (Free) |
| Wed Aug 19 10:00-10:45am |
CHAIR FITNESS - 55+ Instructor: Jeannie |
#43247 (Free) |
| Wed Aug 19 12:15-1:00pm |
TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING Instructor: Tina |
#43367 (Free) |
Pre-Recorded Exercises
Follow along for these easy at-home exercises. Limited equipment required.
| Exercise | Length |
|---|---|
| 10 Functional Strength Training Exercises |
17 min |
| More videos coming soon! |
*Please be mindful of your physical capacity and assess whether these workouts are right for you. If they are too difficult, modify the exercises to suit your abilities or check out other classes or posts for more suitable workouts. Please ensure you have no hazards around you, take breaks when necessary. Stay hydrated. Stop if you feel unwell or uncomfortable.
City Centre Community Association
Visit City Centre's Instagram page for a variety of home exercises including chair fitness, osteofit and dynamic stretching.
For more information: @CityCentreCC
East Richmond Community Association
Follow along on Cambie Community Centre's Instagram page for home exercises from Fitness Coordinator, Tina Grant.
For more information: @CambieCC
ParticipACTION
Sit less and move more through innovative engagement initiatives and thoughtful leadership. Gain access to helpful articles, videos, resources and prizes by downloading the app today.
For more information: ParticipACTION
Richmond Olympic Oval
Check out the OVALFit at Home program that offers online fitness classes for their members including Barre, Tabata and Yoga Hatha.
OVALFit Schedule: Richmond Olympic Oval
For more information: Facebook @RichmondOval and Instagram @RichmondOval
South Arm Community Association
Visit South Arm's Instagram page for a variety of fitness exercises and yoga poses that can be done at home or in an area suitable for self workouts.
For more information: @SouthArmCC
Steveston Community Society
Visit Steveston’s Instagram page for a variety of fitness related home exercises.
For more information: @StevestonCC
Thompson Community Association
Thompson Community Centre has created an Instagram account dedicated to fitness.
For more information: @ThompsonCCFitness
Preschoolers (up to 5 years)
Babytime with the Richmond Public Library
Mondays and Thursdays at 2:00pm
Connect and help develop language skills with your baby through books, songs and rhymes.
For more information: Virtual Babytime
Storytime
Monday-Fridays at 10:00am
Have fun sharing great stories and songs from the comfort of your couch.
For more information: Storytime
Children (6-12 years)
Active For Life
Check out this great resource by this Canadian not-for-profit social initiative created to help parents give their children the right start in life through development of physical literacy. See below for some helpful articles:
Parenting through the pandemic: Simple tips to help you cope
A printable outline to help kids plan their own day
Parents: You're doing an amazing job (Elmo's dad agrees!)
7 signs your child may be feeling anxious (and what you can do about it)
6 mood-boosting yoga poses you can do with kids
Anti Boredom Challenges
Don't forget your ABCs by participating in this bi-weekly challenge that includes outdoor play, music, baking/cooking and mystery challenges!
Anti Boredom Challenge - Edition 1
Anti Boredom Challenge - Edition 2
Anti Boredom Challenge - Edition 3
Anti Boredom Challenge - Edition 4
Anti Boredom Challenge - Edition 5
Anti Boredom Challenge - Edition 6
Anti Boredom Challenge - Edition 7
Connect with Nature
Download the iNaturalist app and become a citizen scientist. Learn about nature, create and share useful data and connect with experts using this interactive app.
For more information: iNaturalist
Earth-Friendly Activities
Make every day earth day with these easy, earth-friendly activities for all ages.
Earth Friendly Activity 1
Earth Friendly Activity 2
Earth Friendly Activity 3
Earth Friendly Activity 4
Earth Friendly Activity 5
Physical Literacy
Sock-ball Game Challenge
It's amazing how easy it can be to gather household items and create a game or activity. Try out these easy sock-ball games, challenge friends and families and share your photos or videos with us using the hashtag #PhysicalLiteracyRichmond.
Sock-ball Games
The Importance of Staying Active
Physical Literacy Infograph
What is physical literacy?
Stay physically active during self-quarantine
Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines
How physical activity can help improve your sleep and overall health
Summer Reading Club
Join Richmond Public Library's free online Summer Reading Club! Record your reading progress weekly to earn virtual badges. Complete all of the challenges to earn a medal at the end of summer.
For more information and to Register: www.bcsrc.ca
Youth (13-18 years)
New on Instagram!
The City of Richmond Youth Team has officially launched its very own Instagram account. Follow to see what's happening for youth in our city, #RichCityYouth
Follow us: @CityofRichmondYouth
Newcomer Youth Conversation Circle
Fridays 2:00-3:00pm
Practice English and have some fun. Join Richmond Public Library to talk to other newcomer youth about topics like school, culture, art and other things that interest you! This program is open to Richmond students ages 12-18 years. All levels of English welcome.
For more information: Newcomer Youth Conversation Circle
Note: Registration opens the Thursday before each session at 12:00am
Remote RYMP (Richmond Youth Media Program)
Mondays and Wednesdays 3:00-5:00pm
Fridays 7:00-9:00pm
Participate in media arts skills sessions, virttual museum tours, online screenings and group discussion. RYMP is a referral based program for youth ages 13-24.
All online sessions are hosted through the Discord App.
To download the app: Discord App
For more information: RYMP, Lauren.BurrowsBackhouse@richmond.ca
RPL's Teen Summer Reading Club 2020
Join Richmond Public Library's online Teen Summer Reading Club and make reading a fun part of your summer. Write and post book reviews on our blog and enter the teen summer design contest for a chance to win some great book prizes.
For more information: RPL Teen Hub
Stay Healthy at Home
Adults (19+ years)
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
The Canadian Mental Health Association has created a specific set of resources to support individuals and families stay well during these uncertain times. Register to access live counselling, peer support, crisis support and more.
To register: CMHA COVID-19 wellness site
COVID-19 Parenting
The World Health Organization has released helpful information for parents during this time. Topics include learning through play, keeping calm and managing stress, talking about COVID-19 and more.
For more information: World Health Organization - COVID-19 Parenting
English Corner Online
Thursdays 11:00am-12:00pm
This program, offered by Richmond Public Library, will focus on everyday survival English, simple vocabulary and phonetic pronunciations. Suitable for beginner to lower intermediate level (LINC 1-3) English learners. Registration is required.
For more information: English Corner Online
Note: Registration opens the Monday before each session at 12:00am.
ESL Conversation Circle Online
Fridays 11:00-11:30am
Practice English in conversation with others - online! Suitable for upper-intermediate to advanced levels of English. Facilitated by Richmond Public Library.
For more information: ESL Conversation Circle Online
Note: Registration opens the Monday before each session at 12:00am.
One Book, Three Cities 2020 Community Reading Project
This year, the community will read and talk about a collection of short stories called Dear Lie by Nobel Prize winner and renowned Canadian author, Alice Munro. Unlimited digital copies of the book are available for borrow from the library all summer long; holds may also be placed on physical copies to be made available for curbside pick up. Try the Dear Life Book Bingo for a chance to win a fabulous book prize or join the weekly Stories Together Apart book conversation online. Interact with readers in Xiamen and Qingdao, China on the online discussion forum.
Programs are offered in partnership with the City of Richmond's Sister Cities Advisory Committee.
Create a free account: RPL Book Club
For more information:
One Book, Three CitiesExplore other adult programs: Adult Summer Reading Programs
Stay Local Challenge
While things slowly start to open back, we challenge you to Stay Local!
Stay Local Challenge
Submit a photo of you completing each week's challenge for your chance to win a $25 Skip the Dishes Gift Card. Submissions must be entered by 11:59 PM the Sunday prior. Prizes awarded weekly.
Walk Richmond
Use Richmond's Walking Guide book to stretch and get some fresh air!
Richmond Walking Guide Book
Note: Some trails may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Check the following page for the most up-to-date closures: Affected City Services & Facilities
55+ years
Let's Connect!
Our Senior Coordinators are here to connect! Many of the activities below offer an opportunity for dialogue and discussion with your local Senior Coordinator. Please do not hesitate to reach out, we can't wait to hear from you!
Seniors Coordinator Contact List
Supporting Richmond Seniors
During the current COVID-19 outbreak, the City encourages residents to make time to stay physically and mentally well: eat healthy, be as active as possible and stay connected to others.
The prepared booklet includes key resources with corresponding contact details to assist the community.
Richmond Seniors Resource Guide1-on-1 with a Librarian
Monday to Friday, 9:00-4:00pm
Have some basic technology questions? Receive 1-on-1 assistance from a library staff over the phone for help using a digital device or connecting to online library resources like ebooks, audiobooks and streaming movies.
For assistance: Phone 778-837-6896
Beyond the Books Club
4th Wednesday of every month, 10:00-10:40am
Become more socially connected by joining in on free virtual group discussions to learn more about what books, movies, shows and podcasts are available.
Beyond the Books ClubChoose to Move Program
A collection of trusted resources to help older adults stay physically active and socially connected. See a full list of activities to support everything from building strength, balance and flexibility to mental health and printable resources.
For more information: Choose to Move Website
Coffee and Tea Chat
Every second Thursday, 10:30-11:30am
Let's connect! Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while socializing and building community. Relax and engage in light conversation and games. All meetings take place over the phone or the Zoom app.
To register: Contact your Seniors Coordinator
Connecting Virtually
Easy step-by-step guides to navigate popular video platforms:
Facebook Messenger Video
Zoom
Skype
Decades Trivia
Test your knowledge and engage in a trivia game travelling back every second Tuesday to the 60s, 70s, 80s and onwards.
For more information: Decades Trivia
Gentlemen in Conversation
Every second Friday, 10:30-11:30am
Connect with new and old friends from the comforts of your home. This group offers the opportunity to share stories, ideas and laughs. Engage with others through a live conversation on Zoom.
For more information: Contact your Seniors Coordinator
Meals to Go at Seniors Centre at Minoru Centre for Active Living
The Seniors Centre at Minoru Centre for Active Living is offering a take-out service—for all ages - Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 2:00pm (closed statutory holidays). The daily menu can be found at: minorucentre.ca/cafeteria.
Nutritious fresh and frozen items include $7.35 entrees, $3.15 soups and limited baked goods. Simply knock on the west doors (near the cafeteria) or call the Front Desk at 604-238-8450 during operating hours for entry into the building. While cash is accepted, the use of debit/credit tap payments is preferred.
Read, Relax and Rejuvenate
Energize the mind and stay connected with the new and engaging Seniors Newsletter! Read, Relax and Rejuvenate with special articles, brain games and recipes selected for you by your very own community Seniors Coordinators.
Seniors Newsletter - Edition 1
Seniors Newsletter - Edition 2
Seniors Newsletter - Edition 3
Seniors Newsletter - Edition 4
Self-Care Bingo
Participate in this easy wellness activity. What pattern of B-I-N-G-O can you complete this week?
Self-Care Bingo
Stay Connected, Healthy and Active
6 Simple Wellness Tips (that can be done daily!)
TED Talk Series
Watch a new TED Talk video every first and third Tuesday of each month. New questions for thought will updated below.
For more information: TED Talk Series
| How to live passionately no matter your age |
Isabel Allende |
| The Happy Secret to Better Work |
Shawn Anchor |
| This is how I steal a PIN code |
Timon Krause |
| Why We Laugh | Sophie Scott |
| Are indoor vertical farms the future of agriculture? |
Stuart Oda |
| My journey to thank every person responsible for making my morning coffee | A.J. Roberts |
| What makes a good life? The longest study on happiness. |
Robert Waldinger |
1. Do you agree that being social and surrounding yourself with people leads to happiness?
2. What keeps us happy? Do you agree that having good relationships enhances our happiness?
3. How often do you replace screen time with visiting someone in-person?
4. As life changes, have your goals changed as well?
The 5 Senses of Nature
Take yourself for a walk in your backyard or around the block and enjoy nature's bounty through all your senses. Suggestions: keep a journal to record your observations.
The 5 Senses of Nature - June The 5 Senses of Nature - JulyThe Letter Writing Project
Connect with Richmond Youth for this interactive project that pairs youth and seniors in finding commonalities, and interests through letter writing. Delivered in partnership with Richmond Public Library, and open to all Richmond seniors. Letters may be sent by e-mail or Canada post, and exchanges will be forwarded by the project facilitators through the Library and Seniors Centre. If you are interested in receiving a letter, and sharing insights, ideas, and connecting to others, please register.
To Register: Email seniors@richmond.ca or call 604-238-8455
Virtual Meeting Backgrounds
Discover Richmond from your very own home with new downloadable #RichmondConnects backdrops for apps like WebEx and Zoom. Customize your virtual setting by downloading the images below to use as your background for video call meetings.
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Arts, Culture and Heritage
Artist-in-Residence Program
Branscombe House Artist-in-Residence (Artist: Lou Sheppard)
Sheppard is looking for words from other languages that have no English equivalent. If you speak a language other than English and have a word you can't find a translation into English, contact the artist at lou@lousheppard.com
For more information: Lou Sheppard's Blog
Hello! Project at West Richmond Community Centre (Artist: Sandi Liang)
Sandi Liang's Hello! Project focuses on cultivating intergenerational conversations within the West Richmond community.
For more information: hellowrcc.wixsite.com/hello and follow @westrichmondcc
Victory Gardens for Diversity Project at Terra Nova Rural Park (Artist: Lori Weidenhammer et al.)
Join Lori Weidenhammer, Lois Klassen, Crystal Lee, Jenn Pearson, Catherine Shapiro and Lori Snyder as they create recipes for community-based ecological engagement at Terra Nova Rural Park. They look forward to engaging visitors in gardening, bioblitzing, cooking, stitching, dyeing, making paper and creating them in 2020.
For more information: Victory Gardens for Diversity Blog
Britannia Shipyards
3D Tours
Use Internet Explorer 11+, Chrome or Firefox to virtually click on the buildings and take a 3D tour of exhibit buildings!
For more information: Britannia 3D Tours
Short Guided Tours
Explore the secret corners, interesting artifacts and amazing stories of Britannia Shipyard.
For more information: Britannia Short Guided Tours
Community Art Exhibitions: Online Edition
With the current closure of the Richmond Cultural Centre, art exhibitions that are usually enjoyed in the Upper Rotunda Exhibition spaces have been suspended. Until now! Enjoy art work from some of the Richmond Art Centre's Resident Art Groups virtually. Check back regularly as new pieces will be added continuously.
For more information: Online Community Art Exhibitions
OFFSTAGE: The Best of Richmond from these Gateway Actors
Connect with Richmond's performing arts community at a distance. Get to know these local actors as they reflect on their craft, reminisce about their time at Gateway Theatre and reveal their favourite things about the City of Richmond.
For more information: Gateway Theatre
Public Art
Cycling Art Tour
Participate in a 12km cycling tour and visit artworks that underscore the power and resilience of community, connection, togetherness, home and place. All artworks are accessible to the public.
Download: Public Art Bike Tour Map
Richmond Has Heart Public Art Projects
June-September 2020
Richmond Public Art is launching four artist initialed projects, as part of the Richmond Has Heart Campaign developed in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The projects by local artists Keely O’Brien, Lou Sheppard, Denise Fong, Christy Fong and Marina Szijarto will promote mental health, well-being and creativity while maintaining physical distancing protocols and fostering community connections during this unprecedented, destabilizing and challenging time. For more information, visit: Richmond Has Heart
A Score of Social Distancing, Lou Sheppard
For more information: www.lousheppard.com
Dearest, Keely O'Brien
For more information: www.keelyobrien.ca
Eating in a Time of COVID-19, Christy Fong + Denise Fong
For more information: @RichmondFoodStories
Loving: Memories, Marina Szijarto
For more information: Loving Memory Shrines
Thompson Community Centre Mural Project
Artists: Popo and Lola
Join Popo and Lola as they continue to engage the community in preparation for a mural installation at Thompson Community Centre.
For more information: popoandlola.art.blog
National Indigenous People's Day
Video: Sea to Sky by Thomas Cannell and Franz Mayer of Munich
Learn about the creation of a new public artwork with this interview with Musqueam artist Thomas Cannell and Michael Mayer of Franz Mayer of Munich as they speak to the conceptualization and fabrication of Sea to Sky, a five-storey-high glass artwork to be integrated into the facade of the Paramount development in Richmond's city centre (No.3 RD and Granville AVE).
Watch the Video now: Sea to Sky
Richmond Art Gallery
Artist Salon Series
Last Tuesday of every month, 7:00pm
Join this free monthly program for artists to connect, network, socialize and learn from each other.
For more information: Artist Salon Series
Art At Work: Selling Your Artwork
A series of professional development workshops designed for visual artists. Presented by Public Art Richmond and Richmond Art Gallery in partnership with the City of Richmond Arts Services and CARFAC BC.
For more information: Art at Work
Exhibiting Artists Interviews
Check out artists' works from the Richmond Art Gallery's archives to today.
For more information: Exhibiting Artists Interviews
RAG@Home
RAG@Home is a new way to enjoy the gallery from wherever you may be. Bringing you into the building virtually, RAG@Home ives everyone a chance to engage with art and our RAG Team through interesting and diverse programming, videos and activites. New content added weekly.
For more information: RAG@home
Richmond Museum
Museum and Art Education @ Home
A newsletter for educators featuring digital activities designed by the Richmond Museum, Steveston Heritage Sites and Richmond Art Gallery.
April 28, 2020: Edition 1
May 14, 2020: Edition 2
Online Artefact Collection
Explore over 2000 artefacts in the City of Richmond's collection.
For more information: City of Richmond Artefact Collection
Our Journeys into Fusion Foods
Take a voyage of discovery with UBC students as they explore their Asian Canadian heritage through food.
For more information: Richmond Museum
Steveston Tram
Take a virtual tour of the Steveston Tram.
Experience now: Interactive 3D Exhibit Tour (Compatible with Google Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer 11+)
Our facilities may be closed but our staff are eager to continue connecting with the community through the many social media channels below.
Britannia Shipyards
Website: www.richmond.ca/britannia
@BritShipyards
@BritanniaShipyards
Cambie Community Centre
Website: www.richmond.ca/cambie
@CambieCommunityCentre
@CambieCC
@CambieYouth
City of Richmond Events
@FunRichmond
City Centre Community Centre
Website: www.richmond.ca/citycentre
@CityCentreCC
@CityCentreCC
Hamilton Community Centre
Website: www.richmond.ca/hamilton
@HamiltonCommunityCentre
@HamiltonCommunityCentre
Minoru Centre for Active Living
Website: www.minorucentre.ca
@minorucentre
@minorucentre
Richmond Art Gallery
Website: www.richmond.ca/artgallery and www.richmondartgallery.org
@RichmondArtGalleryBC
@RichmondArtGallery
@RAG_Gallery_BC
Richmond Arts Centre
Website: www.richmond.ca/artscentre
@RichmondArtsCentre
@HowArtWorks
Richmond Public Library
Website: www.yourlibrary.ca
@YourLibraryRichmond
@RPLBC
@RPLBC
Richmond Youth Basketball League (RYBL)
@RichmondYouthBasketballLeague
South Arm Community Centre
Website: www.richmond.ca/southarm
@SouthArmCC
@SouthArmCC
@SouthArmCCYouth
@SouthArmCC
Steveston Community Centre
Website: www.richmond.ca/steveston and www.stevestoncommunitysociety.com
@StevestonCommunityCentre
@StevestonCC
@StevestonCCYouth
@StevestonCS
Thompson Community Centre
Website: www.richmond.ca/thompson
@ThompsonCC51
@ThompsonYouth
@ThompsonCCFitness
@ThompsonYouth
Rompers Preschool:
@ThompsonEarlyLearning
@ThompsonaerlyLearning
Terra Nova Nature School: www.terranovanatureschool.com
@tnnatureschool
West Richmond Community Centre
Website: www.richmond.ca/westrichmond
@WestRichmondCC
@WestRichmondCC
@WestRichmondCC
Childcare Programs: www.westrichmondchildcare.org
@WestRichmondChildcareServices
@WestRichmondPreschool