Richmond's new mayor wants to build a new trade and exhibition centre | Daily Hive

Richmond's new mayor, Rob Howard, wants to build a new trade and exhibition centre

Richmond mayor Rob Howard's inauguration speech on Nov. 2, 2026. (City of Richmond)

New Richmond Mayor Rob Howard is promising to pursue a trade and exhibition centre, making the project part of his vision to strengthen the city’s role as a gateway to the Pacific.

In his inauguration speech on the evening of Nov. 2, 2026, Richmond’s first new mayor in 25 years — taking over from Malcolm Brodie, who decided not to seek re-election — pledged to approach stakeholders and the provincial and federal governments about building the facility, alongside a separate proposal for an arts and culture centre on a waterfront site within Richmond City Centre.

“We will talk to stakeholders and senior levels of government to get to work on building a world-class trade and exhibition centre right here in Richmond,” said Howard.

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Howard is not new to politics. He was previously a Richmond city councillor from 2001 to 2008, and the MLA for Richmond Centre under the BC Liberals from 2009 to 2013.

Howard pointed to Richmond’s close proximity and accessibility — located just beyond Vancouver International Airport, near port facilities, and with direct highway connections — as advantages the city could build upon.

For the waterfront arts and culture centre, Howard promised to begin planning immediately, describing a gathering place that would serve residents of different ages.

“We will engage immediately in creating a plan for an arts and culture centre at our city centre waterfront — a place where families can stroll, seniors can gather, and the community can come together,” said the Richmond mayor.

There were previous plans to achieve both facilities at the Duck Island waterfront site — the former site of the Richmond Night Market, which permanently closed at the end of Summer 2026. The site is strategically within the northern end of Richmond City Centre, and next to SkyTrain’s Bridgeport Station and River Rock Casino Resort.

In 2024, Jingon International Development Group received rezoning approval from the municipal government to redevelop Duck Island into a massive mixed-use commercial and entertainment waterfront complex, with potentially up to 2,000 hotel rooms, 538,000 sq. ft. of entertainment space, 908,000 sq. ft. of office/institutional space, and 622,000 sq. ft. of retail/restaurant space.

Previous iterations of the redevelopment dating back to the early 2010s also included a 450,000 sq. ft. convention and exhibition centre, plus major arts and culture venues.

However, the developer later encountered major financial issues, and the entire property has since been subject to a court-ordered sale process.

The two proposed facilities were among the priorities Howard outlined as he began his tenure. He did not identify a potential location for the trade and exhibition centre and waterfront arts and culture centre in the city centre.

international plaza duck isalnd richmond night market 2012 concept

Previous 2012 concept for the redevelopment of the Richmond Night Market site into International Plaza at Duck Island. (Arcadis/Jingon International Development Group)

2024 revised concept for the development of the Richmond Night Market site into International Plaza at Duck Island. (Arcadis/Jingon International Development Group)

Previous 2012 concept for the redevelopment of the Richmond Night Market site into International Plaza at Duck Island. (Arcadis/Jingon International Development Group)

Alongside those ambitions, Howard stressed the need to protect the City of Richmond’s finances as housing pressures, higher costs, and infrastructure demands increase.

He said the municipal government’s history of maintaining reserves, keeping taxes competitive, and providing dependable municipal services should guide the new Richmond City Council’s decisions.

Howard intends to seek City Council’s backing for an independent review of municipal spending and services to find savings and determine whether taxpayers are getting good value.

“I will ask Council to support an independent value for money review, to identify efficiencies, improve services, and ensure every tax dollar delivers value. Other cities have found meaningful savings through this kind of exercise, and I believe it can deliver similar results for Richmond,” he said during his address.

Housing was another priority, particularly options that would allow seniors to remain in their community and younger families to establish a home in Richmond.

Howard said he would work with City staff to shorten unnecessary waits and examine new approaches to meeting those needs. He also backed a proposal to waive development cost charges — fees collected from development to help pay for new and improved community amenities, facilities, infrastructure, and utilities — for a new Lions Manor in Steveston.

On public safety, Howard said he had agreed to put a member motion concerning supervised injection facilities on City Council’s meeting agenda this week.

Howard also urged city councillors to work through disagreements respectfully and build relationships with the provincial and federal governments, highlighting that some of Richmond’s challenges require help beyond Richmond City Hall.

“We won’t always agree, but that’s okay. Strong leadership means listening to one another, respecting different perspectives, and finding common ground. Ultimately, that leads to better decisions for our city, working together with mutual respect, fresh ideas, and a shared commitment to putting Richmond and its residents first,” said Howard.

“All along, my vision for Richmond has been guided by one simple idea: giving residents peace of mind. Peace of mind knowing their families are safe, peace of mind knowing their tax dollars are being spent responsibly, and knowing that young families and seniors are supported, respected, and cared for.”

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