Weekly insights for small business owners on workspace, operations and growth.
The latest from YVR, Destination BC, the City of Richmond and other official channels, summarized for you.
Summaries are written and translated automatically by AI from the official source. Please check the original for full details.
Destination BCNovember 13, 2026
A nationwide ground stop imposed in the United States is affecting flights to and from Canada. Travelers and local businesses in Richmond and the broader BC region should check with airlines and Nav Canada for updates, as disruptions could impact tourism and commerce.
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Destination BCNovember 6, 2026
Destination BC and Indigenous Tourism BC formalized a joint framework of nine principles and an Invest in Iconics strategy to support Indigenous‑led tourism across BC. The collaboration aims to double tourism revenue by 2036 while helping Indigenous businesses become digitally visible and attract more visitors.
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Destination BCNovember 6, 2026
Effective Nov. 6, Maya Lange will lead Destination BC as interim President and CEO, while Leah Poulton steps in as interim Vice President of Global Marketing. The move ensures continuity for tourism businesses and communities across BC as the board searches for a permanent chief.
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City of RichmondOctober 30, 2026
On Monday, November 2 at 7:00pm, mayor Rob Howard and council members were sworn in at Richmond City Hall. The public ceremony, also streamed online, opens the 2026‑2030 term and will see board appointments that affect community services and businesses.
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City of RichmondOctober 27, 2026
Richmond awarded four 2026 Lulu Awards on Oct. 26, honoring projects that enhance neighbourhoods and public spaces. The winners—a forest boardwalk, a river‑view high‑rise, a mixed‑use complex with landscaped frontage, and a public open‑space—demonstrate design that benefits residents, visitors and businesses.
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Destination CanadaOctober 19, 2026
Destination Canada, Air Canada and Lufthansa Group have teamed up to market Canada to travelers in South India, targeting bookings for spring and summer 2027. The partnership aims to boost tourism exports and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses.
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City of RichmondOctober 17, 2026
Voting closed for the 2026 Richmond General Local and School election on Oct 17, 2026. Residents, visitors and businesses should check the official results at richmond.ca/Elections to see who will shape municipal policies and school governance.
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City of RichmondOctober 16, 2026
Tomorrow, October 17, eligible voters in Richmond will cast ballots for mayor, council and school trustees between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Results will be preliminarily posted after polls close, with official certification expected by October 21, affecting local governance and community services.
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YVR Vancouver AirportOctober 16, 2026
Vancouver International Airport and Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport have signed a sister‑airport memorandum to collaborate on technology, cargo and future direct flights. The partnership aims to strengthen travel and trade links between western Canada and southern India.
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City of RichmondOctober 14, 2026
The City of Richmond, together with the Royal Canadian Legion, has installed individual street banners throughout the City Centre to recognize 114 veterans who lived locally. The display, running until Dec 1, 2026, offers residents and visitors a visible reminder of the community’s military heritage.
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City of RichmondOctober 13, 2026
Five advance‑voting days drew a record number of Richmond voters, showing strong community engagement. Residents can still request a mail ballot by phone, use accessible polling sites and receive assistance in French, Chinese and Punjabi before the Oct 17 municipal and school election.
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City of RichmondOctober 8, 2026
On October 7, 2026, over 100 Richmond leaders met at the John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse for the City’s Business and Partner Appreciation event, Connected for Growth. Mayor Malcolm Brodie said cross‑sector partnerships are key to innovation, workforce strength and economic resilience.
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City of RichmondOctober 6, 2026
Construction on a new drainage channel and a stormwater detention pond at Minoru Park will start in October 2026. The upgrades aim to handle increased runoff, protect the lakes and enhance the park experience for residents and visitors.
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City of RichmondOctober 1, 2026
For the first time, Richmond voters will mark a double‑sided ballot covering mayor, councillor and school trustee races. Advance voting, mail‑in requests and on‑site polling are available in October, so residents should verify their voting location via the city’s app or website.
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City of RichmondOctober 1, 2026
Richmond inaugurated the upgraded McLean Neighbourhood Park Playground on September 28, 2026, featuring two play areas for ages 2‑5 and 5‑12 with accessible equipment. A $12,000 Enabling Accessibility Fund grant and $100,000 from the Hamilton Community Association fund the features, enhancing recreation and community vitality.
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City of RichmondSeptember 29, 2026
Former City Councillor Bill McNulty has released Steveston Revisited: 1859‑2026, a richly illustrated history of the waterfront neighbourhood. The book, supported by the City of Richmond Archives and local societies, offers residents and visitors insight into the area’s cultural roots and future development.
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YVR Vancouver AirportSeptember 24, 2026
Vancouver International Airport announced Canada’s first air transport agreement with Vietnam, enabling direct flights between the two nations. The new link is expected to boost tourism, trade and economic ties for travelers and local businesses.
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City of RichmondSeptember 24, 2026
The City of Richmond opened a 430‑square‑metre gathering area in Garden City Community Park on September 19, 2026. Supported by a $300,000 Rotary Club of Richmond Sunset contribution and city Partners for Beautification Program, the space offers benches, a rock and Peace Poles, encouraging community ties.
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YVR Vancouver AirportSeptember 23, 2026
Over $125,000 was raised at YVR’s fourth Haul for Hope as teams pulled a WestJet Q400 to spotlight patients’ travel hurdles. The money will support Hope Air’s flights and transport, ensuring BC residents can access specialised care despite long distances.
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City of RichmondSeptember 23, 2026
The City of Richmond has expanded the MyPermit portal to accept online building permit applications for single‑family homes, small multi‑unit housing and commercial, office and industrial projects. This gives residents and businesses 24/7 access, speeding up approvals and supporting the city’s housing goals.
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Destination BCSeptember 22, 2026
Destination BC’s Co-operative Marketing Partnerships Program is now accepting applications for the FY2027/28 cycle, with a deadline of November 1, 2026. The funding supports joint tourism marketing by community consortiums and sector groups, helping local businesses and travelers across BC to boost visibility and revenue.
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Destination BCSeptember 22, 2026
In June 2026 Destination BC secured major U.S., Australian and niche media features showcasing the Okanagan wine region, Clayoquot luxury lodge and Whistler’s mountain attractions. The exposure is expected to draw more visitors and boost local tourism businesses.
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City of RichmondSeptember 22, 2026
Ninety candidates are contesting the 2026 Richmond municipal election, with voters choosing a mayor, eight councillors and seven school trustees on Oct. 17. Early voting, mail‑in ballots and multilingual voter guides make participation easy for residents and businesses.
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Destination BCSeptember 21, 2026
Destination BC attended the UBCM Convention, meeting municipal leaders to highlight tourism’s role in funding services and spurring local business growth. The engagement shows how coordinated tourism strategies can strengthen community budgets and attract investment.
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City of RichmondSeptember 21, 2026
Richmond and community partners will offer free and low‑cost events on October 1 to celebrate seniors and encourage healthy aging. Activities feature art workshops, an aquatic centre orientation, a healthy‑aging session, and the launch of a Positive Aging Campaign showcasing five seniors, highlighting Richmond’s age‑friendly initiatives.
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Destination BCSeptember 16, 2026
Richard Porges will step down as President and CEO of Destination BC on November 6, ending a six‑year tenure that steered BC’s tourism recovery after COVID‑19. The board has begun a global search for a leader, preserving continuity for local businesses, travelers and the visitor economy.
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City of RichmondSeptember 16, 2026
The City of Richmond is accepting applications from non‑profits, schools and community groups to pair with artists for projects in 2027‑2028. Selected projects will receive a $12,000 CAD grant, boosting local culture and offering new creative experiences for residents and visitors.
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YVR Vancouver AirportSeptember 15, 2026
On September 15, 2026, YVR CEO Tamara Vrooman announced the airport’s focus on digital upgrades, climate action, reconciliation and financial stability. The pledge signals continued benefits for travelers, local businesses and the wider BC community in Richmond.
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City of RichmondSeptember 15, 2026
On September 30 the City of Richmond will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, inviting residents to wear orange and join community programs. Some municipal facilities will operate on reduced hours, reflecting the city's commitment to honour Indigenous history.
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City of RichmondSeptember 14, 2026
Richmond will open applications for its 2027 City Grants on September 16, closing at 5 p.m. on October 14. The program now offers larger grants, a user‑friendly online system and info sessions to guide community groups and businesses in securing support.
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Destination BCSeptember 10, 2026
Destination BC launched the “BC is Open. Explore BC this Fall.” campaign to urge BC and Alberta residents to travel to areas still open after the 2026 wildfires. Visitor spending is steered to Thompson Okanagan, Kootenay Rockies and Fraser Canyon to aid jobs and businesses.
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Destination BCSeptember 10, 2026
Destination BC has released a new Destination Development Strategy for the Nature’s Heartland region of BC’s Central Interior. The plan aims to boost year‑round tourism, showcase outdoor and cultural experiences, and support local communities and Indigenous partners.
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Destination BCSeptember 9, 2026
Destination BC announced that the scheduled fall industry update on October 1 has been cancelled. Partners are advised to delete the meeting from their calendars and will be notified of new dates via LinkedIn, the newsletter and the website.
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City of RichmondSeptember 9, 2026
The Richmond Farm Fest will be held on Sunday, September 13 from 11 am to 4 pm at Garden City Lands. The free, family‑friendly event highlights the city’s urban farming heritage and offers bike/e‑scooter valet, shuttle service and parking options, supporting local growers and food businesses.
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Destination BCSeptember 3, 2026
National Geographic named Kelowna a top food destination, Travel + Leisure showcased Yoho National Park, and Bloomberg highlighted growing American interest after a Destination BC media visit. The coverage boosts tourism, supporting local businesses and attracting more visitors to BC.
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Destination CanadaSeptember 3, 2026
From September 8‑10, 2026 Destination Canada will host Innovate Canada in Quebec City, bringing senior leaders from Google, IEEE and Women in Tech Global to meet Canadian AI, quantum and cybersecurity innovators. The initiative shows how events can spark partnerships and investment, boosting businesses and tourism.
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City of RichmondAugust 31, 2026
The City of Richmond is seeking volunteers to serve on various advisory boards, committees and commissions that guide council decisions on topics such as arts, sustainability, health, economic growth and accessibility. Serving a one- or two‑year term lets residents help shape local policies and services.
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Destination BCAugust 27, 2026
The provincial emergency declared on Aug. 8, 2026 was lifted on Aug. 27, 2026 after officials determined the powers were not needed. Wildfire risk stays high across BC, so residents, tourists and businesses should stay alert and keep preparedness plans ready.
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Travel AlbertaAugust 27, 2026
Alberta’s Tourism Investment Program receives hundreds of applications each intake. A clear, complete and compelling submission can differentiate your project and highlight its value to the province’s visitor economy.
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Destination BCAugust 26, 2026
Destination BC welcomed Seven Network’s The Great Outdoors crew for a road‑trip from Vancouver to Wells Gray Park, highlighting city life, mountain towns and wildlife. The series aired in Australia, reaching about one million viewers and raising BC’s profile for prospective tourists and local enterprises.
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