6 minute read
KELLY GREENE, MLA
The day I spoke to MLA Kelly Greene, she had just picked her dog Zelda up from a Steveston groomer. Kelly says, “I love this community and support local businesses whenever possible.”
Born in Richmond, Kelly has lived in Steveston almost her entire life. She was raised in the neighbourhood, where she attended Diefenbaker Elementary and Hugh Boyd Secondary schools. Her family and her parents continue to reside in the community. Her three children attend Richmond public schools, and Kelly feels fortunate that they are growing up in a community that means so much to her.
Kelly shares glowing words about her family and the sacrifices they have made for her to pursue her political career.
“I am so grateful that my husband has been able to pick up the slack when I’m away. The life of a politician is hard on families. My husband and kids are so patient and understanding. I have taken my kids over to Victoria individually to see the Legislature to show them what I do,” she says.
While on the road for five months of the year, Kelly is commonly home on weekends. She and her husband make sure to set aside time for weekly date nights.
Technology has revolutionized the variety of ways to communicate, and she and her family reach out via Zoom, FaceTime, and texts.
“These are great tools for problem-solving on the spot. I was not totally prepared for the realities of being away from my family. I must delegate; I can’t do it all.”
“I really hadn’t thought about politics as something I would do; it always seemed like something somebody else did.”
She adds, “My hat goes off to all the women who did this before and broke barriers.”
In 2016, fifteen Richmond elementary schools, including her children’s school, were identified for potential closure. Kelly began connecting with other parents and advocating to save the schools. Three schools were then slated for closure: Dixon Elementary, McKay Elementary, and Woodward Elementary. Kelly and other parents were successful in keeping the schools open through a grassroots campaign.
She says, “It was a learning curve, and this education advocacy led me to get involved in civic politics.”
In 2018, Kelly ran for city council and was elected. In 2020, she entered provincial politics and was elected MLA for Richmond-Steveston. She is seeking re-election in the October 2024 election.
Passionate about serving Richmond’s residents, Kelly’s goals are significantly expanding affordable rentals, protecting the Fraser River Estuary, continuing school seismic remediations, and building seniors’ longterm care homes. As the MLA for RichmondSteveston, Kelly actively works with all levels of government to ensure that Richmond residents’ needs are met.
An example is the housing project currently under construction on Railway Avenue, that three levels of government have joined forces to deliver. This new long-term housing development will offer 25 units designed for low-income women and women with children who face challenges in finding housing.
Women are more disadvantaged when they don’t have a partner, they are the hidden homeless.
The provincial government recently announced a contribution of over $8 million to replace the No. 3 Road south pumping station to have quadruple the pumping capacity, as well as raising a section of the dyke to meet year 2100 requirements. This important work is necessary to upgrade critical infrastructure before a climate disaster happens. This project is in partnership with the federal government and the City of Richmond.
One of Kelly’s proudest accomplishments was successfully advocating for funding to dredge Steveston Harbour’s navigation channel. This is federal jurisdiction; however, she and others were able to articulate the necessity to many ministries and the Premier's office. She helped secure $2.125 million, which she describes as “an invisible but necessary project.”
The Richmond Hospital redevelopment project is well underway. Former Premier John Horgan announced the government’s commitment to the hospital’s growth in 2017 while on the campaign trail.
Richmond Hospital will add a new ninefloor acute care tower, the Yurkovich Family Pavilion, which includes an intensive care unit, a fully equipped medical imaging department, a pharmacy; and short-stay pediatrics. With its growing and aging population, this will give Richmond the acute care it needs moving into the future.
Another exciting upcoming project for Steveston is the rebuilding of Lions Manor on its original Fentiman Place site. The former building was demolished in 2014. Kelly has first-hand knowledge of the value of this residence as she frequently visited her grandmother when she resided there.
She says, “I know how important it is for people to stay connected. Our aging population needs this long-term care facility.”
Construction is expected to begin in 2025. The facility will contain 144 beds, 14 hospice beds, respite care and a 37-space child-care centre.
In addition to Kelly’s role as an MLA, she also serves as BC's Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and Aquaculture.
She says, “This is incredibly important work for B.C.’s coastal communities. We need to protect it so it keeps supporting us.”
Kelly Greene’s Richmond-Steveston Community Office is located at 4011 Bayview Street in Steveston. Its mission is to support Richmond-Steveston residents, businesses and organizations to ensure we have a thriving community.
Her office can provide information on provincial government services, referrals to community services, and grant funding for non-profits. Kelly and her staff are keen to promote community events by sharing information in their newsletters, community events window, and social media.
Recognizing milestones is one of the fun things MLAs do, from certified letters celebrating significant wedding anniversaries to acknowledging centenarian birthdays, which are recorded on the Legislature’s transcript.
Kelly recently visited the Richmond Hospital Healthcare Auxiliary Thrift Shop as a government representative to show its support for the Provincial “Healthcare Auxiliary Day” Proclamation.
She says, “It’s a privilege to play a role in lifting up the good work they do.”
The second annual Richmond Pride and Inclusion Walk takes place on Saturday, July 27.
“This event means so much to so many people,” Kelly says.
Her office organized the 2023 Richmond Pride and Inclusion Walk, which saw hundreds of community members wearing rainbow accessories and waving flags representing LGBTQIA2S+ identities. She anticipates this year’s walk will draw an even larger crowd. Extra volunteers are always needed, so if you are interested, reach out to her office.
“I am honoured to be elected to represent the residents of Richmond-Steveston. It’s a responsibility I never take lightly, and I work every day to make life better for everyone in our community and all British Columbians.”
MLA Kelly Greene
Richmond-Steveston
4011 Bayview Street, Unit 115, Richmond BC V7E 0A4
Phone 604-241-8452
www.kellygreene.ca
Story by Sarah Gordon (May 2024). PALLA MEDIA
