Lifelong Richmond resident and former city councillor Harold Steves has been awarded the “Freedom of the City,” the highest honour a local government can give to one of its own.
Steves was born in Richmond and is the great-grandson of Manoah and Martha Steves — one of the founding families after whom Steveston is named.
He was first elected to municipal council in 1968, 22 years before Richmond was designated as a city, and has worked more than 50 years in public service.
After serving as an MLA from 1973 to 1975, Steves returned to Richmond City Council in 1977, and served until he decided not to run for re-election in 2022.
As an NDP MLA, Steves focused his energy on creating the Agricultural Land Reserve to safeguard farmland and rural areas from development.
Steves helped preserve Garry Point Park, shipyards
He also played a key role in preserving Garry Point Park, Richmond Nature Park, Britannia Shipyards and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery.
If that wasn’t already a big deal for recognizing Steves’ hard work in the city, he’s also created new organic plant and vegetable hybrids that work well in Canada’s cold, wet weather, and he keeps supporting sustainable, locally grown food.
“Harold Steves has dedicated most of his life to making Richmond and British Columbia better for everyone,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie when announcing the honour during Tuesday’s city council meeting.
“During his time as the province’s longest-serving elected politician, Harold made a tremendous impact on community life particularly in the Steveston area, the preservation of farmland and heritage, as well as environmental issues.
Our city and province are much better thanks to his commitment and many contributions.”
Steves is the sixth individual to receive the Freedom of the City honour, with long-time mayor Greg Halsey-Brandt having received his in 2013. Previous honourees include long-time mayors Gil Blair and Henry Anderson and long-time council members Bob McMath and Archie Blair.
The 12th and 39th Service Battalions have also received Freedom of the City recognition.
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