Did you know that a building that served the Steveston community for nearly 70 years has recently been demolished to make way for one of the largest community investments in the area’s history?

The original Steveston Community Centre, a long-standing hub for recreation and community connection, was torn down in March 2026 to make way for a brand-new facility designed to serve Richmond residents for generations to come.

Here’s a look at the history of the original centre, why it was replaced, and what the new Steveston Community Centre and Library will bring to the community.

The History of the Original Steveston Community Centre

The original Steveston Community Centre opened in 1957, quickly becoming a gathering place for residents of Richmond’s historic fishing village.

What many people may not realize is that the project itself was made possible largely through local volunteer efforts and community fundraising.

The Steveston Community Society, which has been active in the area since the 1940s, played a major role in helping make the facility a reality. The society transferred park land and trust funds to the municipality to support construction of the building.

Local organizations also contributed financially. One notable donation came from the Japanese Canadian Citizenship Association, which contributed $15,000 toward the project at a time when Steveston was rebuilding and evolving following the Second World War.

When the building officially opened in November 1957, it was inaugurated by Leslie Peterson, who was the B.C. Minister of Education at the time.

From that point forward, the Steveston Community Centre became a central part of everyday life for many Richmond residents. For generations of families, it was where:

• Kids played sports

• Youth programs were held

• Fitness classes and recreation programs took place

• Community meetings and events brought neighbours together

For many who grew up in Steveston, the community centre was simply part of growing up.

Why the Building Was Demolished

After nearly seven decades of use, the original building had reached the end of its functional lifespan.

The City of Richmond determined that renovating the aging facility would not meet the long-term needs of the community. Instead, the decision was made to replace it entirely with a modern recreation complex designed for the future.

In March 2026, demolition of the original Steveston Community Centre began.

While it’s always a bit bittersweet to see such a long-standing building come down, the goal is to create a much larger, modern facility that will better serve the community for decades to come.

The New Steveston Community Centre and Library

The replacement facility will be known as the Steveston Community Centre and Library, a combined recreation and library complex designed to bring multiple community services together in one location.

The new building will be approximately 60,000 square feet across three levels, making it significantly larger than the original centre.

According to the City of Richmond, the new facility will include:

• A double gymnasium for sports and recreation

• A modern fitness centre

• Multipurpose program rooms for classes and community activities

• A brand new Steveston Library branch with reading and study spaces

• Flexible gathering areas designed to function as a community living room

The vision behind the project is to create a place where recreation, learning, and community connection all come together under one roof.

The new facility is currently expected to open toward the end of 2026.

A Design Inspired by Steveston’s History

One of the most interesting aspects of the project is how the building design reflects the unique identity of Steveston.

Architectural inspiration for the new centre draws from several elements tied to the community’s character, including:

• The working waterfront docks and platforms

• The historic Steveston Tram building

• Design elements reflecting Steveston’s fishing industry heritage

Public art planned for the facility will also highlight important themes connected to the community, including:

• Indigenous culture

• The historic fishing industry

• Japanese Canadian history in Steveston

• The Fraser River ecosystem

While the original building is being replaced, the goal of the new centre is to carry forward the stories and identity that make Steveston unique.

Why Projects Like This Matter for Richmond

Community centres in Richmond are more than just recreation buildings.

They are places where:

• Neighbours meet

• Kids grow up playing sports

• Community events take place

• Local identity is strengthened

And Steveston, in particular, has always had a strong sense of history and community spirit.

Between the waterfront boardwalk, the historic fishing village atmosphere, the Steveston Salmon Festival, and now this new recreation facility, Steveston continues to be one of the most unique and desirable neighbourhoods in Richmond.

Living in Steveston, Richmond BC

Steveston remains one of Richmond’s most sought-after neighbourhoods thanks to its blend of heritage charm, waterfront living, and strong community atmosphere.

With new investments like the Steveston Community Centre and Library, the area continues to evolve while preserving the history and character that residents love.

For people considering moving to Richmond BC, Steveston offers a lifestyle that is hard to replicate anywhere else in Metro Vancouver.

If you enjoy learning about Richmond neighbourhoods, local history, and what it’s like living in Richmond BC, be sure to follow along for more local insights.

And if you have questions about buying or selling real estate in Richmond, feel free to reach out.