Brighouse District

A Civic Legacy

Welcome to the Brighouse District! This is a fascinating place.

The Richmond Museum invites you to explore the history and diversity of the Brighouse District through this self-guided historical walking tour.

This is a family friendly walking tour and will take approximately 1-2 hours. Please respect private property and obey all posted signs while enjoying your tour. We recommend starting the tour at the Richmond Cultural Centre (7700 Minoru Gate) as free full day parking is available at its parking lot.

Brighouse District

The Brighouse District grew from a crossroads in the midst of agricultural fields to become the centre of Richmond’s early rural community, servicing farms in the area.

In 1956, the municipality’s Planning Commission approved the Brighouse District’s conversion from a rural community serving the farms in central Richmond, into a modern growing commercial town centre. The plan called for, a new town hall, school board office, health unit and library, commercial district, and large multi-use park. Many of the structures

and services you can still see today although most buildings have been upgraded or rebuilt.

Photo credit: Aerial photograph depicts Brighouse racetrack and area showing the Municipal Hall, Granville Avenue and No. 3 Road; 1956. City of Richmond Archives #1977 2 63, Donated by Greta Cheverton.