Highlights of the fourth quarter of 2022 included the municipal election, Remembrance Day observance, and community support for holiday fundraisers like the Richmond Christmas Fund and Victor Ghirra Toy Drive.

OCTOBER

Kids learn about nature journalling

Students at two Richmond elementary schools got a firsthand lesson in nature journalling thanks to workshops with artist Bea Martin. The workshops, a collaboration between Richmond Arts Coalition and Richmond School District, were part of Culture Days with final pieces displayed at Branscombe House.

“All the kids were so involved, because it was a very different class from the ones that they’re used to,” said Martin. “We are giving them tools to explore—we’re not telling them to follow any specific rules. The response has been phenomenal.”

Richmond election results in minimal change

All six incumbent city councillors who were seeking re-election—Chak Au, Carol Day, Andy Hobbs, Alexa Loo, Bill McNulty, and Michael Wolfe—again found success, with new councillors Laura Gillanders and Kash Heed also winning seats. Longtime councillors Linda McPhail and Harold Steves did not seek re-election.

Mayor Malcolm Brodie, the province’s longest-serving mayor first elected in 2001, was re-elected as an independent candidate.

Incumbent school board trustees Ken Hamaguchi, Heather Larson, Donna Sargent, and Debbie Tablotney were joined by Rod Belleza and Alice Wong, both of whom were trustees previously, and new trustee David Yang. Incumbent trustees Norm Goldstein and Sandra Nixon did not seek re-election, and incumbent trustee Richard Lee was not re-elected.

Voter turnout for the 2022 municipal election was around 25 per cent, with just over 35,000 ballots cast, according to a news release from the city.

RCMP officer dies

RCMP Const. Shaelyn Yang, a Richmond resident who died after a stabbing incident in Burnaby, was remembered by her colleagues.

“Those she worked with before joining the RCMP, and her police colleagues today, describe Const. Yang as a kind and compassionate person, which makes her death even more difficult to accept,” said Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, BC RCMP Commanding Officer, in a statement.

He said Yang was partnered with a City of Burnaby employee and was engaged in her duties at a homeless camp on Gilmore Way. An altercation took place and Yang was fatally stabbed. Despite the best efforts of emergency responders who attended the scene, Yang succumbed to her injuries. The suspect was shot, resulting in non-life threatening injuries.

Yang’s regimental funeral was held at Richmond Olympic Oval in early November.

ParaTough cup at Oval

The ParaTough Cup took place at Richmond Olympic Oval and saw participants competing against others in three different sports: wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, and Para ice hockey. Funds raised through the event support the Paralympic Foundation of Canada. 

“One thing that inspires people to participate is competition; we built the event to be competitive,” said Dean Brokop, director of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada. “The second thing that inspires people to participate is the chance to learn more about disability, and being more aware of it has been an important topic. We have seen so many people who just want to make a difference.”

Locals inducted to BC Sports Hall of Fame

The BC Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023 included Richmond judo pioneer Jim Kojima and the 1971 Richmond Roadrunners men’s lacrosse team.

Kojima has been involved with the Steveston Judo Club for 70 years. He was an international referee involved with Olympic Games and World Judo Championships as well as being president of Judo Canada and director of the International Judo Federation Referee Commission. 

The 1971 Roadrunners defied expectations and won the Minto Cup that year, the first Western Canadian team to win the National Junior A Lacrosse championship in nine years.

Induction into the BC Sports Hall of Fame is the highest sporting honour in British Columbia. Since 1966, the BC Sports Hall of Fame has inducted 442 individuals and 67 teams to its Hall of Champions. 

Halloween fireworks dazzle

For the first time since 2019, people gathered at the Minoru Track for a dazzling fireworks display on Halloween.

“The event has been in place for several years and is one of the few in the Lower Mainland to feature a fireworks display. The City of Richmond has a history of staging family-friendly events, and this is just another example of that tradition,” said Clay Adams, the city’s director of corporate communications and marketing.

NOVEMBER

Richmond remembers

The city’s Remembrance Day ceremony returned in-person on Nov. 11. The parade included units of Canadian veterans; members of the Royal Canadian Legion and Army, Navy, and Air Force Veterans in Canada; Richmond’s permanent Canadian Forces Unit 39 Service Battalion; representation from public safety agencies; and cadet organizations.

Meanwhile, at Palmer secondary, students found innovative ways to observe Remembrance Day.

“We have placed our students at the centre of this ceremony, as it gives them a sense of responsibility, leadership, and ownership of the ceremony,” said teacher Ashley van Kralingen. “They are able to focus on the messages they find important, gain valuable skills, and share their learning and passions with the school and Richmond community.”

Two local McDonald’s managers win award

Two Richmond staff members were among the McDonald’s Canada managers who received the 2022 Outstanding Manager of the Year Award. Baljit Sokhi from the Lansdowne location and Eilleen Regala from the Russ Baker Way location were recognized for their exceptional leadership, hard work, dedication, and commitment to McDonald’s Canada and its customers. 

The prestigious accolade is awarded to only the top 10 per cent of managers working across 1,400-plus Canadian locations. This is the second award win for both Sokhi and Regala.

“To win this award means the world to me, to be recognized by the organization that I love in my efforts and hard work,” said Sokhi. 

Regala said: “My job is all about building relationships, creating memories, and creating a fun environment where people have a sense of belonging.”

Black Panther sequel features Richmondite

Maya Macatumpag, born and raised in Richmond and a McNair Secondary School graduate, has a role in the latest Marvel film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

“I went to watch the first Black Panther (movie) in theatres as a fan. After watching the movie, I remember saying to myself and the rest of my family that if they ever did a second film I would want to be a part of it and to play a Dora Milaje (warrior) for the entire run of the movie,” said Macatumpag.

She was cast as a Dora Milaje and brought on as a member of the stunt team, and that success taught her the power of her words and intentions.

Christmas Fund helping locals

The Richmond Christmas Fund marked its 90th year in operation. A program of Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG), the Christmas Fund assists low-income residents during the holidays, providing them with grocery vouchers, toys, books, and gift cards.

“The Christmas Fund was launched in 1932, and throughout its history has remained a grassroots, community-led initiative,” said Ed Gavsie, president and chief executive officer of RCRG. “Its mission then, as now, is to ensure that all of our neighbours in need can share in the holiday spirit.”

The Richmond RCMP Toy Drive raised $26,304 in cash as well as 1.6 tonnes of toys. The A Not So Silent Night reception and auction campaign set new fundraising records, with a final amount of $110,895 raised.

Local girl places in Little Sunshine pageant

Richmond’s Athena Mai finished as second runner-up as well as the People’s Choice Award winner in November’s Little Sunshine Talent Search.

Back for the first time since the pandemic, the competition took place at Aberdeen Centre and featured 10 boys and girls. The competitors sang, danced, and showed off a multitude of talents in front of hundreds of audience members.

Mai, age nine, is a big fan of K-pop’s BLACKPINK and dreams of becoming a professional pianist so she can use music to enrich people’s lives like BLACKPINK’s Lisa.  

Businesses, locals honoured with awards 

The Richmond Chamber of Commerce recognized the top business leaders in Richmond at the 45th annual Business Excellence Awards. Awards were handed out in 10 categories, as well as a hall of fame induction that honours a Richmond business with at least 25 years of history in the community.

The winners of the inaugural Richmond EPIC Tourism Awards were announced at Tourism Richmond’s year-end celebration. The awards comprise four categories, named after Tourism Richmond’s “EPIC” values: excellence, passion, integrity, and collaboration, with applications open to all tourism businesses in Richmond.

City considers Truth and Reconciliation policy

Richmond councillors were unanimously in support of a possible Truth and Reconciliation policy for the city at a November general purposes committee meeting. 

The motion, brought forward by Coun. Michael Wolfe, details various suggestions for ways the city could move forward. The possibilities include
regular meetings with the Musqueam council; mandatory training for city staff and council members on issues of Indigenous-specific racism and decolonization; a plan to implement some of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action; and the creation of a municipal committee, task force, or staff position to address Indigenous issues.

Wolfe’s motion was amended to include a June 2021 referral that directed staff to analyze possibilities for recognition of and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

DECEMBER

Two more Richmondites get Medal of Good Citizenship

Two Richmondites are among the 15 British Columbians who received the 2022 Medal of Good Citizenship for their dedication and selfless service to their communities.

As a teen, Winston Sayson, K.C. immigrated to B.C. from the Philippines. Sayson was a criminal barrister who recognized that victims of crime frequently come from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds with many intersectional vulnerabilities, understood how testifying could re-traumatize victims, and was always able to communicate effectively with witnesses and victims to give them the strength and resiliency to take the stand. Sayson was a pioneer in combining wellness practices with legal work and taught lawyers trauma-informed practices to minimize re-traumatization.

Seeing a lack of mental health and wellness resources, 20-year-old Rishika Selvakumar founded the first mental health club at her high school, Little Flower Academy, when she was in Grade 10. After high school, she continued on in mental health advocacy by starting The Wellness Proposal. This virtual campaign was hosted by University of British Columbia (UBC) students and aimed to create a positive mental health environment through many projects, including youth-run events and mentorship programs that served nearly 40 undergraduate students. 

Victor Ghirra Toy Drive

Santa’s helpers from communities across the Lower Mainland merrily made their way to the grand toy count in Richmond for the 16th annual Victor Ghirra Toy Drive. The toy drive donated toys to a record 18 good causes this year, aiming to bring joy to children and families in need. 

In memory of late Richmondite Victor Ghirra, the toy drive is devoted to making holidays brighter for hundreds of children. Ghirra was involved in many charitable initiatives, but was particularly touched by the BC Children’s Hospital. Each Christmas for over a dozen years, he bought thousands of dollars worth of toys and donated them to the hospital anonymously, instructing staff only that they be given to the kids and not accepting any credit.

Richmond Jewish Day School hosts interfaith event

Richmond students came together to share wintertime celebrations in different cultures and religions at the “Shine a Light” event. The event, hosted by Richmond Jewish Day School, also included city councillors, community members, and students from three other “Highway to Heaven” schools: Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy, Cornerstone Christian Academy, and Richmond Christian School. In all, more than 20 cultural institutions sit on the “Highway to Heaven,” a stretch of No. 5 Road known for its diverse houses of worship.

“The spirit of this celebration (is) to share winter customs, such as those practiced during Hanukkah and Christmas, that build into our individual identities,” said Richmond Jewish Day School principal Sabrina Bhojani.

Centre for disability honours outgoing board members

Three longtime Richmond Centre for Disability (RCD) board members were presented with certificates of appreciation. Richmond North Centre MLA Teresa Wat presented the certificates to Mark Bukata, Sarah Ho, and Vince Miele.

Bukata, who joined the board in 2018, was also its treasurer from 2020 to 2022. He has over 25 years of experience in supply chain management and over 15 years of experience training young professionals in the area.

Ho joined the RCD board in 2011 and is vice-chair of the organization’s Chinese Support Group Committee, planning activities and liaison works for close to 400 members of Chinese origin. 

Miele joined the RCD board a few years after its inception in 1985, and has assumed many board executive positions countless times, including board chair.

Anne of Green Gables musical on at Gateway

Gateway Theatre presented its holiday show, Anne of Green Gables - The Musical, with
Coquitlam-raised actor Kyra Leroux in the lead role. Leroux’s TV and film experience includes roles on Riverdale, Schmigadoon!, Firefly Lane, and The J Team. 

“As a Canadian redhead I feel like I’ve been waiting to play (Anne) since the day I was born,” said Leroux. “I started out in competitive dance and musical theatre when I was three or four years old, so I’ve been doing it pretty much my whole life.”

Hanukkah menorah lit again

People gathered at Richmond Cultural Centre for the annual public lighting of the city’s 7.5-metre (25-foot) Hanukkah menorah.

Each Hanukkah, Jewish people light a nine-branched candelabrum called a menorah. Each night, another candle is added to mirror the story about the Maccabean revolt, when oil for a single day miraculously lasted for eight days.

The menorah, designed in the late 1980s by renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erickson, was commissioned by twin brothers and Ebco Industries founders Helmut and Hugo Eppich. Stored at Ebco’s warehouse, this menorah is cleaned annually and put together outside Richmond Cultural Centre, bringing Richmondites of all faiths together to celebrate the theme of light illuminating the darkness.