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The annual Best of Richmond features individuals who live and/ or work in Richmond to help make it one of the best communities in which to live. This year the Richmond News interviewed 10:
A long-time Steveston resident, Jim Wishlove began his career in the fire service as a volunteer firefighter before being joining Richmond Fire-Rescue in the spring of 1990.
While with RFR, he served as a firefighter, dispatcher and instructor in several disciplines, and progressed through the ranks and was promoted to Deputy Chief in 2009. After a spell with New Westminster Fire-Rescue, he returned to Richmond in 2018 and was recently appointed Fire Chief in May 2022.
Jim is a recipient of the British Columbia Long Service Award recognizing 25 years in the Fire Service, as well as the Federal Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal. He holds a Chartered Professional Manager designation through the Canadian Institute of Management.
Jim has studied at the Justice Institute of B.C., the Sauder School of Business, Simon Fraser University and Capilano University. Away from work, Jim enjoys travelling, skiing and is a piper, having played twice on-stage with Sir Paul McCartney in Vancouver.
What do you like best about Richmond?
I deeply appreciate the rich diversity that Richmond offers: diversity in the riverside views, open fields and a busy downtown core with all the amenities of a busy city centre. I consider myself a bit of a foodie as well, and I really enjoy the opportunity to sample so many different types of high quality cuisine all over Richmond – plus it saves me doing dishes at home after.
How do you stay healthy in Richmond?
I simply try to move every day. Whether that’s practicing yoga at any of the local studios in Richmond, or walking the dogs along of our dikes. I appreciate the open access to the outdoors and the fresh air that our island city offers and I take advantage of that regularly.
What’s your favourite area of nature in Richmond?
I really like walking along the dikes and around Garry Point – the fresh air and the open views are brilliant.
What song best describes Richmond?
Having some Celtic heritage I’m drawn to a song ‘Caledonia’ … Dougie MacLean does a nice job of it. When I’m away from home it reminds me of Richmond.
Where in Richmond do you like to take out-of-town guests?
If we’re dining out there are too many favourites in town that I love – and I usually visit them with people I have visiting.
What is one of Richmond’s hidden gems?
I’d offer the London Farm and the walk along the south dike are both incredible places to see and experience.
