Andy Hobbs

Steveston’s recent summer win in CBC’s Metro Vancouver’s best neighbourhood contest reflects the community’s belief in itself and the values others see in it.

For Andy Hobbs, the Fraser River, as both a working river and a natural bounty, made Steveston hard to beat. Andy knows that community members have a long history of service and a commitment to volunteerism. At its core, that also makes Steveston a great place to live. Growing up in Richmond, riding horses and playing hockey on frozen winter ponds was idyllic, the Packers/ Colts rivalries are legendary and it all contributes to a storied history.

For the past 25 years, Andy and his family have lived in Steveston and enjoy how it has retained a small town atmosphere notwithstanding population growth and development. For his family, the key for Steveston’s livability continues to be balance. This includes a commitment to its historical roots with sites like Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site and in recognizing the contributions of people Andy retired from the Vancouver Police Department after more than 35 years of service and he has a long track record of working with community groups and stakeholders in Vancouver. He was inducted into the Order of Merit of the Police Forces by the Governor General of Canada, received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal and several VPD commendations. from many cultural backgrounds who lived and worked here. The Nikkei stories are a moving example and illustrate the sacrifice and resilience of Steveston’s Japanese/Canadian community.

While the fishing industry remains a vibrant part of the economy, Steveston’s commercial opportunities have expanded and diversified to a point where you can find shopping, dining, places to celebrate, recreation facilities, and plenty of natural beauty, without leaving Steveston. It all contributes to a great vibe where you can walk down Moncton Street or along the boardwalk and randomly bump into friends and family.

Community service is the glue that gives Steveston its super strength. Events and celebrations like Steveston’s Salmon Festival and Richmond Maritime Festival have deep roots and the commitment of volunteers is crucial.

In Richmond, while still working, Andy was elected and served two terms with the School Board, volunteered as a coach for several kids sports, and volunteered twenty years as a cancer fundraiser. He was a member and While the fishing industry remains a vibrant part of the economy, Steveston’s commercial opportunities have expanded and diversified to a point where you can find shopping, dining, places to celebrate, recreation facilities, and plenty of natural beauty, without leaving Steveston. It all contributes to a great vibe where you can walk down Moncton Street or president of the Kigoos Swim Club, at the Steveston Outdoor pool, which Andy considers as one of the best activities for kids and families. Currently, he’s the Chair of Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site Society, a board member for Tourism Richmond and a board member for Steveston’s Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR).

In the past few years, the family has grown with the addition of three grandchildren and they all Community service is the glue that gives Steveston its super strength. Events and celebrations like Steveston’s Salmon Festival and Richmond Maritime Festival have deep enjoy everything Steveston has to offer with its parks and amenities. Andy is confident that they will find their own paths to volunteer and to serve the community.