Laura Gillanders

03/15/2026

Community issues like this deserve collaboration, not conflict.

Neighbours in debate the fate of an 80-year-old sequoia tree on Princeton Avenue. On one side are residents concerned about damage to driveways and nearby infrastructure. On the other are neighbours who value the environmental and community benefits of preserving a mature tree that has been part of the neighbourhood for decades.

Situations like this can quickly become emotional — and understandably so. People care about their homes, their safety, and the environment we all share.

But the real question is: How do we solve problems like this together?

Instead of neighbours feeling they must fight each other, our role as a city should be to bring people together, examine the facts, and explore practical solutions. Be the voice of the community advocating to and other levels of government.

As someone running for Richmond City Council, I believe leadership means helping communities navigate difficult issues respectfully and collaboratively.

Because when neighbours work together, Richmond becomes stronger.
City of Richmond - Local Government

03/15/2026

Public agricultural research in Canada is facing significant cuts.

Earlier this year, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced plans to close seven research centres across the country and cut hundreds of research positions, including work connected to organic and regenerative agriculture. These facilities and researchers play an important role in plant breeding, soil health, crop resilience, and long-term agricultural research that supports farmers across Canada.

National Farmers Union / L'Union nationale des fermiers is hosting a public online Town Hall (via Zoom) to help farmers, growers, and community members better understand what these cuts could mean and how people can take action.

Act to Defend Canada’s Public Agriculture Research
Online Town Hall
March 19, 2026
4:00 pm PST

This session will explore the impacts of the proposed cuts and discuss ways people across the country can work together to support Canada’s public agricultural research system.

Learn more about the campaign, sign the petition, and register for the Town Hall here:
https://www.nfu.ca/stop-the-aafc-cuts-today/

The deadline to sign the Parliamentary e-petition is April 3, 2026.

03/15/2026

03/10/2026

Here's the full list of what's accepted at our FREE recycling depot at Lynas Lane https://www.richmond.ca/services/recycling-garbage/recyclingservices/recyclingdepot.htm

Let's keep diverting waste from the landfills wherever we can reuse and recycle properly.

03/10/2026

Here is the full list of what is accepted at our FREE recycling depot! https://www.richmond.ca/services/recycling-garbage/recyclingservices/recyclingdepot.htm

Let's keep stuff out of the landfill that can be reused and recycled properly.

03/07/2026

City Council as well as Minister Kelly Greene, MP Chak Au, MP Parm Bains and the Pathways Clubhouse cut the RIBBON for the opening of the new Rio Vista affordable housing project. This project is nothing short of amazing with 80 units of affordable housing. 40 of the units are truly affordable rent geared to income housing, 16 units are deep subsidy starting at $500 per month for a one bedroom and $717 for a 3 bedroom!! 24 units are near market rental.

All 2 and 3 bedroom units have their own laundry plus there are five washer and dryers in the laundry room at $2.50 per load. There are many accessible units and all units have bike lockers plus parking available at an extra cost.

I'm so impressed with the beautiful construction, balconies, layouts, the amenity room, playground, beautiful views all around. What a truly dignified place to live and call home. Well done everyone!

02/22/2026

Another festive day in . Lunar New Year runs until March 3 2026.

02/20/2026

Wishing a Blessed Ramadan for those who observe. May this be a time of rejuvenation, reflection and community connection.

02/18/2026

Happy New Year to everyone as we welcome the year of the horse. I wish you all Ma Dao Cheng Gong which means success immediately upon the arrival of the horse. There are still events happening all week in . I was at three separate lion dancing events today! Very grateful for our vibrant community.

02/11/2026

12/20/2025

Wishing you all peace, joy, love, friendship and good health over the holidays.

12/16/2025

We lit the City Hall menorah yesterday. As we are all still in shock at the deadly hateful attack in Australia at a menorah lighting ceremony on Sunday, I wish you and yours safety, security, peace, courage and light.