Cultural Harmony
Richmond is one of the most diverse cities in Canada with over 60 per cent of its population born outside the country, the highest proportion of any municipality nationwide. The City of Richmond is actively involved in building cultural harmony in the community. By bringing people together in dialogue, arts and cultural programming or holding inclusive consultations, the City is committed to reducing barriers to participation and promoting a shared sense of community.
Current Initiatives
Cultural Harmony Plan
The City of Richmond is currently in the process of completing a Cultural Harmony Plan, which will guide the City’s approach to enhancing cultural harmony among Richmond’s residents. On June 24, 2019, the Draft Cultural Harmony Plan 2019-2029 was approved by City Council.
The City is seeking input on the Draft Cultural Harmony Plan and will be leading public engagement opportunities in September 2019. To get involved:
The City had conducted the following public engagement activities to seek feedback on the draft Cultural Harmony Plan 2019–2029.
- An online feedback form posted on the Let’s Talk Richmond website from September 10 to 29, 2019
- Three Public Open Houses held at the following locations:
South Arm Community Centre on September 10, 2019
Richmond Cultural Centre on September 17, 2019
Cambie Community Centre on September 21, 2019; and - Eight different focus groups held in September and October 2019 with a range of organizations and stakeholders based in Richmond.
Feedback received through the engagement activities are currently being incorporated into the final Cultural Harmony Plan, which will be presented to City Council in late fall.
Richmond World Festival is the City’s annual multicultural festival and celebrates Richmond’s significant cultural diversity. For more information: Richmond World Festival
Doors Open
Every year the City and community partners open their doors so the public can explore over 40 sites across the city, including museums, places of worship, green spaces, fire halls and many more. This has proven to be a popular event and helps to create cross-cultural understanding. For more information: Doors Open.
City of Richmond Diversity Symposium
The City of Richmond Diversity Symposium is a one-day conference focused on sharing best practices in creating diverse and inclusive communities. It is an educational and networking event intended for municipal staff, those working in settlement and community service agencies, and community leaders of diversity and inclusion initiatives. For more information: Diversity Symposium.
Richmond Intercultural Advisory Committee (RIAC)
The Richmond Intercultural Advisory Committee (RIAC) was established by the Richmond City Council in February 2002 to advise the City on initiatives that enhance intercultural harmony and strengthen intercultural cooperation in Richmond. RIAC’s intercultural vision is “for Richmond to be the most welcoming, inclusive and harmonious community in Canada.” For more information: Richmond Intercultural Advisory Committee (RIAC).
Contact
For more information, please contact:
Dorothy Jo
Inclusion Coordinator
Phone: 604-276-4391
Community Social Development
Dorothy Jo
