Welcome, autumn! This season has much to love, from the earthy smell of fallen leaves to the return of soups, stews, apple pies, and pumpkin spice flavouring featured in many baked goods and beverages. Local fields are brimming with pumpkins, signalling the approach of Thanksgiving and Halloween.
The Steveston Merchants Association is gearing up for its fall events. October kicks off with the month-long Steveston Scarecrow Crawl and wraps up with Trick-or-Treating at participating businesses. Wander through the village to see the imaginative scarecrows created by local merchants, and don’t miss The Haunted Sea at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery throughout October.
On November 21, Girls’ Night Out returns. Round up your friends and get a head start on holiday shopping at businesses offering extended hours and special deals. It’s also an excellent opportunity to dine at your favourite restaurant and raise a glass to friendship.
December 1 marks Santa’s arrival to help light the tree at the entrance to the Village! Celebrate with the Christmas Classic Car Cruise and enjoy a ride on an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage around the village. Santa will return for his grand entrance by boat on December 8 before heading to the Cannery for photos with the kids. The Winter Dog Parade takes place on December 15, followed by photos with Dog Santa. Merchants will
also compete in a festive window display competition. Stay tuned for more details about Winter in the Village. Don’t miss the Steveston Community Society Christmas Craft Fair on November 23 and the beautifully adorned Festival of Trees on display at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery throughout December.
Our cover story spotlights Windsor Meats, Steveston’s go-to butcher shop for highquality, responsibly sourced meats and poultry. Windsor Meats purchased Heringer’s Meats in 2018.
We welcome Nest Designs to Steveston Village. Founder Tammy Lo is excited to see her dream of operating her flagship store in her hometown come true. Nest Designs carries eco-friendly products for babies, young children, and adults.
Read about Kelly Greene, who served as Richmond-Steveston MLA from 2020 to 2024 and is seeking re-election in the October 19 B.C. provincial election. This communitydriven politician feels a deep responsibility to make her constituency and province a better place to live.
Bundle up in your coziest layers and enjoy a walk in the brisk, refreshing air. Warm up with a hot drink in a local cafe while savouring the beauty of Steveston in the cooler months. Steveston is truly charming in the fall, and we hope you embrace every moment of the season.
Carolynne Palla
Carolynne Palla Owner/Publisher
Sandra Steier Photographer/Stylist
Sarah Gordon Writer/Editor
Tara Orr Social Media
WINDSOR MEATS: Rooted in Community Values
Story by Sarah Gordon Photos by Sandra Steier & Carolynne Palla
Windsor Meats is the butcher shop Stevestonites turn to for high-quality, responsibly sourced, delectable meats and poultry.
Owner and general manager Devon Kirchner says, “Our butchers and clerks have extensive product knowledge—they try the food we sell. If we don’t serve it to our families, we won’t serve it to you. We have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, or we will replace it. We want people to have a good experience.”
“Our focus is local, freerange, and family-run.”
Devon adds, “We scan the country and beyond for products and partners that fit our philosophy and quality criteria.”
The business started in 1946 in West Vancouver and has grown over the years. Today, Windsor Meat’s five locations are owned by Bett Prosperi-Porta, Devon Kirchner and two other partners.
Bett purchased Windsor’s Caulfeild (West Vancouver) location in 2005 due to his frustration with the limited selection and quality of products available at conventional grocery stores. He dreamed of establishing a shop that offered incomparable products and friendly, knowledgeable service.
In 2010, Devon was fresh out of high school. She received training from Doug Freeman, one of the original owners. Devon started as a counter clerk, worked her way up to a butcher, and then became a store manager. Bett partnered with Devon Kirchner in 2022 to prepare for his retirement.
Windsor Meats purchased Heringers Meats in 2018. Over time, changes have been made to streamline the shop’s products with those of other Windsor locations.
An unexpected renovation occurred after a car backed into the store’s window last Thanksgiving weekend. Local merchants quickly assisted, which confirmed Steveston’s community-minded spirit.
Devon says, “I had not been to Steveston before we bought the store—I am originally from Vancouver Island. It is an adorable town, so quaint and cute. It has a real community feel. The merchants are friendly, with an old-school customer service mentality; it is apparent people are proud to live in the village.”
Romer Aquino is Steveston’s store manager. He was born in Richmond and has lived in the area since he was young. He was involved in the culinary industry for ten years, learning from chefs, working at Whole Foods Market as a meat cutter, and becoming a certified butcher.
Romer and the staff enjoy interacting with customers and sharing product knowledge.
“Loyal customers and tourists make our store busy every single day. Some people come in daily. We warmly welcome everyone when they come through the doors, which are always open. We learn customer’s names and try our best to remember their orders. We also learn about their lives and create intimate encounters,” he says.
Walking into Windsor Meats, you will find creative marinades, delectable meats and plenty of prepared dishes.
Each Windsor store draws from the unique
influence of the neighbourhood where it is situated, and its rotating selection of products reflects and honours that uniqueness. All locations offer full butchery services.
The company believes in supporting small businesses and family-run farms across British Columbia and Canada. By working with likeminded partners, it continues to grow its business and its partners while expanding its product offerings for customers.
Windsor’s display cases are filled with meats from farming partners with engaging stories.
Windsor is proud to be the exclusive retailer of Gemstone Grass-Fed Beef. Gemstone is owned by the Doerksen family, a fourth-generation farming and ranching family from Gem, Alberta. They produce high-quality grassfinished, tender, nutrient-dense, well-marbled, and flavourful beef.
Hank’s Grass-Fed Beef raises 100% grass-fed cattle on the Hank family’s farms in British Columbia. Grass-fed beef produces healthier, simple, great-tasting, and top-quality meat. The cattle’s health and well-being are top priorities. The cattle are fed the same healthy diet year-round to ensure consistently high quality, and they also enjoy access to pasture for part of the summer.
Sometimes, after a long day, the last thing you want to do is cook. Windsor Meats has the solution: treat yourself to a beautifully prepared meal created by Vancouver chef Poyan Danesh, who has created a line of delicious meals that you can simply warm up and serve. In addition to the chef’s entrees, head butcher Kevin Turner and Romer create house salads and side dishes.
If you are 55 or older, mark your calendar for the second Tuesday of every month! On 55+ Day, you will receive 15% off your entire purchase.
Be sure to check out Windsor’s daily specials, which remain constant each week and offer 10% to 20% savings on the featured item.
Watch for the shop’s sidewalk barbecues twice weekly when the weather is nice (between April and September). Samples can include steak, sausage or skewers. These pop-up barbecues usually occur on Wednesday, Thursday, and the occasional weekend.
Both Devon and Romer agree that Windsor Meats creates community through food. Romer says, “We create genuine relationships through food.” Devon adds, “We all love food— we have a passion for it.”
POP-UP ART SHOWS
www.historicsteveston.ca
Pop into the Steveston Museum and Post Office to see our ongoing art shows featuring talented local artists. The artists change monthly, and a percentage of sales supports Steveston Historical Society programs and events. Discover your new favorite art piece while supporting local talent.
October: Marsha Hoggan and Scott Samuels
November: Tanya Bone and Sarah Glen & Bea Martin
SONGS IN THE SNOW
Join us in Town Square Park beside Steveston Museum when it turns into a winter wonderland complete with festive lights and seasonal performances on Dec. 7 & 14 from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
STEVESTON GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT
Visit us on Thursday, Nov. 21 for special deals, local art for sale and surprise Pop Ups.
STEVESTON ALIVE! - Walking Tour Vignettes
Thank you for another great season! The talented actors from Steveston-London Secondary School brought history to life and will return next summer. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia, BC Gaming, the City of Richmond, and G&F Financial for the ongoing support of our programs.
STEVESTON VILLAGE POST OFFICE
Full-service post office open 7 days a week. Serving as a vital hub in our community.
Your support of this Post Office, becoming a member of Steveston Historical Society, or sponsoring an upcoming event greatly contributes to our ability to provide programs and events that benefit our community.
For complete information on all events and more, please visit: www.historicsteveston.ca
KELLY GREENE:
A Lifelong Love of Her Community
Story by Sarah Gordon Photos submitted
It was a busy end of summer for RichmondSteveston MLA (2020 to 2024) Kelly Greene as she maximized family time, prepared her three kids to return to school and campaigned for the October 19 B.C. provincial election. Kelly says, “I knocked on a lot of doors over the summer and got to talk to many people about things that matter to them.”
Kelly is committed to making her constituency and province a better place to live.
Her values stem back to her childhood. Kelly recalls her early days as a Girl Guide when she learned to leave this world a little better than you found it. She has upheld this philosophy, which she has passed along to her children, who mirror her capacity to care for others and the planet.
Born at Richmond Hospital, Kelly has lived in Richmond most of her life. Her early days
in Steveston are filled with fond memories. She remembers hanging out with friends and having adventures in this safe and closeknit community, which she believes has not changed much.
She attended Diefenbaker Elementary and Hugh Boyd Secondary. She laughs when she reports, “I was a founding member of Hugh Boyd’s store, which was like a mini 7-11.”
The student-run concession sold candy and juice and operated out of the old football changeroom.
Kelly savours time at home with her husband and children.
Her work frequently takes her away from home, and Kelly makes their time together count. She says, “I could not do my job without my husband, my parents and my support network.”
Her family’s favourite activities include jumping on their bikes and heading off to Steveston Bakery for cookies or having lunch at Kari House restaurant. Another cherished summer pastime is heading out with buckets to pick blackberries. They also love to visit the docks at Fisherman’s Wharf to choose a salmon for dinner. Kelly says, “It’s a good way to understand where food comes from.”
Kelly got her start in politics in 2016, when sixteen Richmond elementary schools, including her children’s school, were identified for potential closure. Kelly began connecting and advocating with other parents to save the schools.
“I became a parent leader to keep the schools open and get them seismically repaired. At that time, I felt like the government was not investing in our community and that kids and parents deserved better. It has been a full circle moment; some of the schools we succeeded in keeping open have now been seismically updated.”
“I am excited to see a significant investment in projects like the upcoming Diefenbaker Elementary rebuild. It is vital that these upgrades take place as schools would be community hubs should an earthquake occur. These projects are dear to my heart.”
Kelly’s education advocacy led to her involvement in civic politics. In 2018, she ran for city council and was elected. In 2020, she entered provincial politics and was elected MLA for Richmond-Steveston.
There have been many accomplishments during her four years in office, including investing in seniors’ long-term care homes, such as the imminent rebuilding of Lions Manor on the original Fentiman Place site.
“A lot of people are anxious for Lions Manor to return. There will be 58 new beds for a total of 144 beds, and 14 hospice beds, of which there is a serious shortage in Richmond.”
She believes continued work needs to take place to protect and restore the Fraser River Estuary, as we depend on it for our livelihood. She is proud of the Richmond Hospital redevelopment project that is well underway.
“When we come together as a community, we can make a real difference.”
“I am community driven. Because I live in the riding, the things that affect my neighbours affect me. It makes me a better advocate.”
Kelly mentions that it has been a challenging four years with the pandemic, climate change and global inflation.
“I am proud of our progress, but there’s more to do, and that is why I have chosen to run again. I am committed to continuing to be responsive to emerging needs. I do not want to see this province go back to the days of slashing services.”
“I think a lot about the future and what I can do to make the world a better place. I feel a real responsibility to make my kids proud and have them say you did a good job. There is a lot at stake as an MLA. I feel a responsibility to make things better for people. It is important to care for each other. We are all connected. And when you can help, you should.”
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NEST DESIGNS: Homegrown Designs
Story by Sarah Gordon Photos submitted
A new clothing and accessories store recently opened in Steveston Village, and people are excited to check out the new arrival. Tammy Lo is the founder of her baby, Nest Designs. The Moncton Street shop is the company’s flagship store, which sells eco-friendly products for babies, young children, and adults.
The store’s grand opening on Canada Day attracted a lot of attention.
Nest Designs is located beside Splash Toy Shop. The space has been transformed with white walls, new flooring and beautiful displays. Tammy and her team enjoy talking to people and hearing feedback like, “This is just what we needed; the fabric is so soft, and the quality is so good.”
With a background in graphic design, visual merchandising and marketing, Tammy loves the creative process and bringing her ideas to life. “That’s the fun part. It’s the starting point,” she says. Her additional background in the luxury fashion industry is where she learned what it takes to make quality products, and this serves as the foundation for all her creations.
Tammy had always dreamt of branching out to own a retail shop in Steveston.
“Steveston’s been my life. It feels so natural to come home,” she says. Tammy attended elementary and high school locally. She still lives in the area, as do her parents and sister, who she credits as the inspiration behind launching Nest Designs.
When her sister was pregnant, Tammy could not find the soft palettes or gender-neutral prints that suited her and her sister’s style. “All I could find was pink, blue, yellow and green clothing. I was bright-eyed, I can do anything attitude, and that’s how it all began,” she says.
The business started with small accessories such as bibs and swaddle blankets and grew to include more clothing.
Nest Designs was initially based exclusively online and growing steadily, but Tammy felt a retail store was needed. She says, “It’s a place where people can see, feel and purchase in person. We are bringing humanity back into the business.”
Tammy’s illustrations make the collections stand out.
She explains what makes Nest Designs unique. “Our fabric is quality. We order the best certified organic cotton and bamboo. We ensure we get the best of everything while maintaining a reasonable price point. Our fabrics are healthier for baby’s delicate skin and kinder to the planet than synthetics.”
The fall/winter Little Explorers collection arrived in late August and showcases playful designs such as lush forest trails, deep ocean dives, safari adventures and interstellar explorations.
The adult collection of soft and dreamy PJs, loungewear, and basics is designed for every day, so you'll move with ease and cozy comfort.
Nest Designs’ curated maternity clothing is flattering, stylish, and comfortable. The apparel is made from soft, breathable fabrics with hidden nursing access for postpartum wear.
Petite Revery is a second Nest Designs line that launched three years ago and is also found at the store. This collection of playwear is made for toddlers and children to encourage them to play and explore. The clothing is designed with easy silhouettes, simple patterns, and a soft palette of neutrals.
A mother of two children under four years old, Tammy works hard to create new products and continue the growth at Nest Designs with her little ones by her side.
“I choose not to multi-task. I focus on one thing at a time: work or the kids, but not both. When I am with my kids, it’s just about them. I work between the office, the store and my home. My meetings occur during afternoon naps or after they go to bed in the evening. I give myself grace because they are little.”
The little company that started eleven years ago has now grown to a team of 23 people; some work at the store, and the rest work out of Nest
Design’s office in East Richmond. Tammy says, “I am nothing without my team, including my sister, who works part-time at the store.”
Nest Designs is proud to partner with BabyGoRound, a children’s charity that distributes pre-loved baby clothing to help families in need in Greater Vancouver. People can drop off clothing donations at the shop.
Tammy and her team look forward to participating in the Steveston Merchant Association’s events, such as Trick or Treating in the Village, Girls’ Night Out and the Christmas window display contest. They will also be planning some events of their own, so stay tuned!
Nest Designs 3580 Moncton Street Richmond BC V7E 3A5
www.nestdesigns.com
Chatham St
THRIFT SHOP
Steveston’s RHA Thrift Shop is a great place to shop and explore. Come and check-out the cool, interesting and exciting items we have in the store for you.
Our staff are 100% volunteers and all proceeds fund special equipment needs at Richmond Hospital, Minoru Residence, and Lions Manor Long-Term Care Facilities.
3731 Chatham Street
Steveston Village (corner of Second Ave)
Tel: 604-271-1551
SHOP HOURS:
Monday to Friday 10am-2:45pm Saturday & Sunday 12 noon-2:45pm
VOLUNTEERS OF ALL AGES NEEDED TO JOIN THE THRIFT SHOP or HOSPITAL TEAMS
Fill out an application online through our website, or visit the shop for an application form and see our team in action!
Shop here on GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT
Thursday, November 21 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. featuring a selection of designer clothing, shoes and jewellery.
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SHRED EVENT
You are supporting our:
• Local Food Security Programs:
o Seniors
o Students
o Christmas food hampers for families in need
• BC Wildfire Relief
• Ukraine Relief
• McMath Student Interact Club
• “WRITE TO READ” - Building First Nations Libraries around BC
SATURDAY
OCTOBER 19, 2024
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
McMath Secondary School 4251 Garry Street, Steveston
It’s time to securely recycle all that unwanted paperwork laying around your house or business!
Quick and easy drive-through service. BY DONATION.
Cash & card accepted.
Crawl
October 1-31 During
London Farm COUNTRY FEST FEST
OLYMPIC CELEBRATION:
Camryn Rogers and Evan Dunfee Story & photos submitted
On Sunday, September 15th at the Minoru Plaza a Olympic Celebration was held honouring our BC Olympians and in particular Camryn Rogers and Evan Dunfee from Richmond. Kajaks put on a fantastic celebration that included speeches by the Olympians, Q & A, autograph and photo opportunities. The program also included a presentation by the Steveston Community Society. Director Marty McConnell welcomed the athletics and congratulated them on their successful Paris Olympics. In particular the Steveston Community Society presentation was to honour Camryn Rogers our very own Steveston Gold Medal winner.
Camryn grew up in Richmond, particularly Steveston and attended Dixon Elementary and our local Steveston HS McMath. Marty McConnell (Director) and with the assistance of Mary Ann Pizzinato (SFEST Coordinator) the Steveston Community Society presented Camryn with flowers and gift cards from some of our local Steveston businesses that Camryn frequents as a token of our appreciation and her amazing accomplishment! At the end of Marty’s speech he officially asked Camryn if her schedule permits to be our Parade Marshall at our 78th Annual Steveston Salmon Festival on July 1st and of course a convertible with her name on it!
As we all know in Richmond, Camryn is the reigning Olympic and World champion in that discipline, in both cases the first Canadian woman to win that title, and only the second Canadian woman to win gold at the World Athletics Championships in any discipline. Her Olympic gold medal was the first for a Canadian woman in track and field in 96 years.
50s Burger Restaurant 210-3791 Bayview St 604-285-1950 50sburgers.com
Aloha Hawaiian Grill 110-3900 Bayview St 604-370-3033 alohahawaiiangrill.ca
Anar Persian Grill 12051 Third Ave 778-834-1707 anargrill.com
B & P Ice Cream & Coffee 100-12220 Second Ave 604-325-9837
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine 4100 Bayview St 778-839-5711 baanlao.ca
Best Bite Indian Cuisine 10-3891 Chatham St 604-370-4949 bestbiteindiancuisine.ca
Blenz Coffee 105-3900 Bayview St 604-272-0777 blenz.com
Blue Canoe Waterfront
Restaurant (ad p. 3) 140-3866 Bayview St 604-275-7811 bluecanoerestaurant.com
Tiny Tots Playhouse (ad p. 23) 604-285-6013 tinytotsplayhouse.net
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A
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October 2024
Oct 1-31
Oct 1 - Nov 3
Oct 5
Oct 6
Oct 19
Oct 19
Oct 21
Oct 31
Steveston Scarecrow Crawl (p. 32)
The Haunted Sea (p. 5)
Country Fest, London Farm, 1-4 pm (p. 34)
Steveston Swap Meet at the Community Centre (p. 34)
Steveston Rotary Shred It Event (p. 30)
B.C. Provincial Election
Advertising deadline for Steveston Insider - Nov 15 issue (p. 46)
Steveston Trick or Treating in the Village (p. 33)
November 2024
Nov 1-8
Nov 15
Nov 21
Nov 23
Steveston Smiles Sweet Swap (p. 5)
Steveston Insider magazine comes out
Steveston Girls' Night Out (p. 18)
Steveston Christmas Craft Fair (p. 16)
Upcoming
Dec 1-24
Dec 1-23
Dec 1-31
Dec 7 & 14
Dec 1 & 8
Dec 1
Dec 1
Dec 7
Dec 8
Dec 15
Winter in the Village
Festival of Trees in the Cannery
Winter Decorating Contest
Songs in the Snow (p. 11)
Winter Horse Carriage Rides
Christmas Classic Car Cruise
Santa visits the Village
Santa Parade (TBA), 6:30pm
Santa arrives by boat at Fisherman's Wharf
Winter Dog Parade & Santa photos
If you are thinking of selling your home, talk to our Dexter agents about the tools we have to market your home. Through our digital marketing campaigns, featuring your home on REW.ca and exposing it through our Global Network, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®. Want to navigate today’s real estate market? Contact us to help!
