Richmond’s First New Mayor in 25 Years Wants a Waterfront Trade Centre — But the Last Developer’s Land Is Tied Up in Court

Rob Howard took office as Richmond’s mayor on November 2, 2026, ending Malcolm Brodie’s quarter-century tenure and immediately placing a new trade and exhibition centre at the top of his agenda. In his inauguration speech, Howard pledged to approach stakeholders along with provincial and federal governments to build what he described as a “world-class” facility, paired with a separate waterfront arts and culture centre in Richmond City Centre. He cited the city’s location beyond Vancouver International Airport, its port access, and direct highway connections as natural advantages for a Pacific gateway hub. The promise revives a concept that has circulated in various forms for over a decade, though Howard did not name a specific site for either project during his address.