A recent survey by the Vancouver Foundation indicates Richmondites are experiencing a lower sense of belonging in their neighbourhoods than most other British Columbians and housing affordability is their biggest concern.

The findings come as no surprise to Coun. Carol Day, who has raised the matter of neighbourhood connectivity for several years, partly as a community activist and partly as a city councillor.

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“I’m dismayed by this obviously, but I’m not surprised,” said Day.

There are several reasons why residents are reporting a lower sense of belonging in Richmond, said Day, alluding to the loss of long-established small businesses, a rapid influx of immigrants who have difficulty speaking English, speculative investment in the housing market, vacant homes, home demolitions and increased traffic.

Mustel Group’s multilingual survey of 300 respondents showed that only 51 per cent of residents had a “strong” sense of belonging to their neighbourhood, whereas across B.C. the rate was 66 per cent.

The findings are similar to those of a more robust Vancouver Coastal Health survey last December.

“There does seem to be a higher level of disconnection or lack of sense of belonging certainly compared to Vancouver and across B.C,” said Lidia Kemeny, director of grants at the foundation, a charitable organization that supports volunteer activities and funds neighbourhood initiatives.

Day said many long-term residents are feeling “overwhelmed” by rapid changes.

“It’s too much, it’s too soon, too many,” said Day.

The survey found only 38 per cent of respondents agreed that when someone new moves in that they are welcomed into the neighbourhood.

“For many people it’s not worth the effort,” to reach out to others. “That dismays me, as well,” said Day.

“It’s our duty to knock on the door of those new neighbours and help them feel connected,” said Day.

For new immigrants, Day said language barriers are likely contributing to their sense of disconnect.

“We’ve done so well to accommodate their language; they don’t have to speak English.

“We need to introduce them to the benefits of interacting with the whole community,” said Day, who believes more people should say “hello” to one another in passing.

The survey also found Richmond has a low rate of volunteerism, compared to the rest of the province.

Ed Gavsie, executive director of volunteer organization Richmond Cares Richmond Gives, said it’s not because of a lack of opportunity.

“Possibly, part of it could be a language issue in Richmond,” said Gavsie.

RCRG is now advertising in the local Chinese newspapers to find volunteer drivers for the Better at Home seniors program. Gavsie is also leading focus groups in the Chinese community.

“I don’t think it will be a quick fix. I think it will be slow and steady. I think with that we will bring our numbers up,” he said.

The survey also found a lower rate of trust among respondents. Only 56 per cent of respondents said a neighbour would return their wallet with $100 in it. The survey’s provincial average was 70 per cent. Kemeny said this is likely due to Richmond’s urban setting.

Meanwhile, Kemeny said Richmondites’ above-average fear/concern of robbery and crime is unrelated to facts and data (Richmond has a relatively average property crime rate, with very low incidences of violent crime), perhaps due to distortions stemming from media.

The most important community issue for respondents (52 per cent) was housing, particularly home ownership opportunities.

Day said some neighbourhoods have been “destroyed by investors” who leave homes empty and drive up house prices.

Day said her verbal pitches at Richmond city council to install a vacancy tax similar to Vancouver’s have gone over “like a lead balloon.”

Day has yet to actually put such a motion (to advocate for taxation powers) on the table, however, insisting that it would not be seconded.

Kemeny said the survey is intended to foster conversations in each community.

Vancouver Foundation's 2016 Vital Signs survey for Richmond, B.C. by Graeme Wood on Scribd