What’s In a Name? A new addition to the City of Richmond’s website is uncovering the stories behind the names of nearly 500 local landmarks. Community members can now explore and discover the people and history behind the names of local roads, bridges, islands and other places in Richmond through the new Name Origins online database.

“As we celebrate Canada’s legacy this year, we are proud to honour the many individuals whose stories and lives helped shape Richmond’s identity,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “As a community with great historic roots, this database provides a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the uniqueness of Richmond and the stamp of urban development.”

For more than 20 years, Friends of the Richmond Archives volunteers and City of Richmond Archives staff have dedicated countless hours researching the name origins of streets, areas, and landmarks in Richmond. Most of the name entries in the database are accompanied by a Google map which shows the current location. The work is ongoing and the database will continue to be updated as new discoveries are made.

Research into Richmond’s fallen servicemen is included in the Name Origins Database, as well as in the “We Will Remember Them” website launched earlier this year.

Launching this new database online was made possible through the Richmond Canada 150 Community Celebration Grant Allocations.