Harold Steves just received this award. We lived in Steveston for years and everyone knew the Steves farm. We would see Harold and Kathy Steves at school functions as their boys attended the same elementary school as our daughter. The nicest family you would want in your neighbourhood.
Everytime I pass by agricultural land, I thank Harold for creating the Agricultural Land Reserve in 1973 to stop the development of good agricultural land. The ALR covers 4,600,000 hectares (11,000,000 acres; 18,000 sq mi), or about 4.9% of British Columbia's land base.
If you don't know his story, here it is:
For more than half a century, Harold Steves has been one of the most influential voices in Richmond — a man whose life’s work has touched farmland, heritage, environmental protection, and the very identity of the community. His story is not just political; it’s deeply personal, rooted in family, land, and a belief that cities thrive when they honour their past while protecting their future.
Harold Steves was born in 1937 and raised on his family’s historic Steveston farm, land first settled by his ancestors Manoah and Martha Steves in 1877. The Steves family helped build early Richmond — importing the first purebred Holstein cattle into B.C., establishing a dairy that supplied Vancouver, and becoming Western Canada’s first seedsmen.
That heritage shaped Harold’s worldview: land matters, food matters, and communities are strongest when they protect what sustains them.
In the 1960s, Harold watched Richmond farmland rezoned for development without farmers’ knowledge. His own family farm was rezoned against their wishes, taxed as residential land, and ultimately forced to sell most of it. That injustice lit a fire that never went out.
Harold drafted early NDP resolutions calling for an agricultural land bank and helped shape the Agricultural Land Zone policy for the 1972 election. As an MLA, he played a key role in establishing the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) in 1973 — one of the most significant land‑protection policies in Canadian history.
Today, the ALR remains a cornerstone of B.C.’s food security and farmland preservation. Harold is widely recognized as its founder and lifelong defender.
Long before “environmentalism” became mainstream, Harold helped form the Richmond Anti‑Pollution Association in 1968 — the first environmental group in Canada. It emerged from concerns about raw sewage being dumped from houses built on farmland. The group ran candidates in the civic election, and Harold won his first seat on council that year.
That victory marked the beginning of more than 50 years of public service.
Harold served on Richmond City Council from 1968, returned in 1977 after his MLA term, and remained there until retiring in 2022 — making him one of the longest‑serving elected officials in B.C. history.
His accomplishments on council are woven into Richmond’s landscape:
Richmond Nature Park
Garry Point Park
Terra Nova Rural Park
London Heritage Farm
Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site
Garden City Lands
Geothermal district energy systems supporting sustainable development
These parks and heritage sites are now beloved community spaces — places where families gather, wildlife thrives, and Richmond’s history is preserved.
Harold’s agricultural roots never left him. He chaired the Metro Vancouver Agriculture Committee and advocated tirelessly for:
farmland preservation
urban agriculture
local food production
sustainable farming practices
He even developed new organic plant and vegetable hybrids suited to B.C.’s climate — a blend of science, stewardship, and creativity.
Harold’s activism extended far beyond farming. As a young man, he joined the CCF, marched against nuclear weapons and the Vietnam War, and sang protest songs with his guitar. He worked with unions, helped organize firefighters, and played a role in bringing the BCTF into the BC Federation of Labour.
His politics were always rooted in fairness — for workers, for farmers, for the environment, and for future generations.
In October 2023, Richmond awarded Harold Steves the Freedom of the City, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to farmland preservation, heritage protection, environmental leadership, and community life. Mayor Malcolm Brodie praised him for dedicating “most of his life to making Richmond and British Columbia better for everyone.”
It was a fitting tribute to a man whose influence is visible in every corner of the city.
Even in retirement, Harold continues to live on the Steves family farm — now an 11‑acre cattle farm surrounded by suburban development — where he and his wife Kathy preserve history, grow food, and welcome visitors curious about Richmond’s past.
His story is a reminder that one person, rooted deeply in place and principle, can shape the future of an entire region.
August 17, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Coast Guard
Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Louis S. St-Laurent, Canada’s largest, most powerful icebreaker, reached the North Pole on August 16 as part of its 2026 Arctic deployment.
The transit supports Canada’s work to define the country’s continental shelf and map its outer limits under the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea. As part of the ongoing 2024-2027 missions in support of Natural Resources Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent is collecting high-resolution geoscience and hydrographic data in the Arctic. The mission demonstrates Canada's ability to operate safely and effectively in one of the world's most challenging environments while advancing important national interests in the Arctic.
Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers are among the most capable and powerful in the world, operated by some of the most experienced crews, and able to reach remote and hard-to-access areas across Canada’s Arctic. Through its enduring presence and operations in Canada’s Arctic waters, the Canadian Coast Guard reinforces Canada’s sovereignty and security in the North.
The Canadian Coast Guard’s summer operational season runs annually from June to November to support Northern communities, carry out services, and support Government of Canada Arctic missions.
“The arrival of CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent at the North Pole is an important milestone that reflects Canada’s enduring commitment to the Arctic. Supported by the expertise of Canadian Coast Guard personnel, this mission advances scientific knowledge, strengthens our presence in the North, and reinforces Canada’s sovereignty and security.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“Reaching the North Pole reflects the professionalism and dedication of the crew of CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent and everyone who supports our Arctic operations. Our icebreakers enable the Canadian Coast Guard to operate safely and effectively in Canada’s Arctic, supporting northern communities, scientific research, and Government of Canada priorities across the North.”
Kevin Brosseau, Senior Associate Deputy Minister of National Defence, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard, and Canada’s Fentanyl Czar
I recently subscribed to: News from the Government of Canada. If you want to get this information, it's very informative!
For more Government of Canada news, visit https://canada.ca/news
August 14, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have launched Operation NANOOK‑TUUGAALIK, a serial of Operation NANOOK running from August through October that focuses on maintaining a maritime presence in the Arctic, enhancing regional awareness, and strengthening the CAF’s ability to operate effectively in remote northern environments.
During the operation, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Robert Hampton Gray will be joined by the Canadian Coast Guard and other Canadian government departments as well as naval forces from the United States, France, and Denmark, as they transit through waters of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago conducting activities including patrols, surveillance, community engagement, and refuelling. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allied participation will strengthen interoperability and shared maritime awareness in the region.
Conducting Operation NANOOK-TUUGAALIK in collaboration with allies and partners will reinforce Canada’s sovereignty and demonstrate our commitment to strengthening NATO’s Arctic posture. Throughout the year, Operation NANOOK serials are conducted in coordination with NATO activities, including the enhanced Vigilance Activity ARCTIC SENTRY which contributes to NATO deterrence and defence efforts, further reinforcing collective security and resilience across the Alliance and the Arctic.
Operation NANOOK is Canada’s signature Arctic operation, and Operation NANOOK‑TUUGAALIK is one of several serials that will be conducted in 2026.
Operation NANOOK also includes serials NUNALIVUT, QIMAAVIVUT, TAKUNIQ, TATIGIIT, and NUNAKPUT.
Operation NANOOK serials are conducted year‑round, supporting near‑persistent CAF operations that are enabled by Canada’s permanent military presence in the Arctic and North.
Operation NANOOK‑TUUGAALIK focuses on maritime presence and surveillance across Canada’s Arctic and northern waters.
Royal Canadian Navy Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels such as HMCS Robert Hampton Gray are designed to operate effectively in northern waters and remote environments.
Environmental stewardship and respectful engagement with northern communities remain central to Operation NANOOK‑TUUGAALIK. Operations are planned and conducted to minimize environmental impact, respect local conditions, and avoid placing additional strain on northern infrastructure and resources.
NATO’s enhanced Vigilance Activity ARCTIC SENTRY brings NATO activities in the Arctic together under a single, overarching operational approach. By integrating Allied capabilities, the activity enhances visibility of military movements and enables coordinated planning and execution across the region.
I never answer calls that aren’t in my phone book on my
cell phone. Waiting to hear from a Dr yesterday,
I answered my cell phone that came up no
name but a local number. The
caller said “Rogers
Marketing”. He will save me 30% on a 1
year special plan. I said “TV and Cable, I have a contract”.
He said “my internet/tv contract would cancel
and this becomes effective”. I listened. I could get an iPhone 17 Pro or Samsung S26 for
free. Pick your colour. I know those are high end phones. He asked how much I
pay Rogers every month. I said “your
with Rogers you should know”. He said “we can’t access this
information as I’m in Marketing”. Then I said
you've got my phone number what’s my address. He repeated phone
number he called me on. That phone is paid for by King of Floors as I
manage the business account. He was calling about my home internet
service and had no idea about any of my personal information! Again he said “I'm with Marketing”...
I yelled scammer and hung up. I’m
so glad!
Today, I saw this on Facebook:
I should have posted this yesterday but it was a challenging day! So a day late:
My mother was and my nephew is left handed. When my nephew was small, my mom gave him a ball and said "throw it to me". He did with his left hand and she was thrilled! I remember at home trying to cut something with scissors when I lived with my mom and dad. They were for left handed people! My mother said she was smacked by a ruler by her teacher and they actually made her put her left hand behind her back. She could use both hands but much prefered her left one! She decorated cakes and used her left hand to make the roses and border and when it came time to write, she used both hands! I'm glad things have changed and we honour it now!
I follow Wayne Cox a former radio personality in our area and he wrote this on his blog:
Thursday,
August 13th, is International Left Handers Day. A day that is set aside
annually to celebrate the uniqueness and differences of left-handed
individuals. I’m one of them, and you may be too? The day was first observed in
1976 by Dean R. Campbell, founder of Lefthanders International, Inc.
I wrote this edition of The Word 3 years ago, and in case you missed it, I
thought I’d repeat it in honour of this very special day. First, some words
about being a lefty down through history.
In the olden days, being left-handed was considered negative, or evil. The
Latin adjective “sinister” means “left” as well as “unlucky.” And in French
“gauche” means both “left” and “awkward” or “clumsy.” Lefties tend to take a
pounding in many languages, including English. The word for the direction
“right” also means “correct” or “proper.” And how about a “left-handed
compliment” that has two meanings, one of which is unflattering to the
recipient.
Studies show 7-10% of the population is left-handed, and because we’re in the
minority, it means that everything from a mouse for the computer to scissors
and musical instruments are typically designed for right-handers. If you
look hard enough, you can find more and more products that are designed for
lefties, but that has only happened in the last 30 years.
In a much earlier time, my mother, who was born left-handed, told me tales of
being smacked with a ruler by school teachers for writing with her left hand,
and was forced to write right-handed. Fortunately, that practice had
ended by the time I started school.
I do remember when I was a kid, going to a sporting goods store and staring at
an entire wall of baseball gloves. A wall of leather, with only a couple of
left-handed gloves, and half of those would be pink or blue! And as recently as
the early 60s, our Little League Baseball catcher, Morley Langton, was
left-handed and had to have a left-handed catcher’s glove custom made for him.
There just weren’t any in the stores, and of course this was long before
“ordering online!”
When I was very young, my Dad bought me my very first baseball glove, but it
was for a right-handed throwing player. Therefore, it was worn on the left
hand. When we first played catch in the back yard, I would catch the ball, take
the glove off, and throw the ball back with my left hand. My Dad was shocked,
and said, “You’re a Silly Sider.” His nickname for a lefty.
Add that nickname to others, like “Southpaw.” That was another nickname I
received over the years and always wondered where the name came from. I was
told that Southpaw comes from the baseball world. See if you can follow this
explanation. In the early days, baseball diamonds were designed so that the
pitcher faced in a westerly direction when looking at the batter. The batter
would face east, so the setting sun wouldn’t be shining in his eyes. With the
left-handed pitcher facing west, his throwing arm would be to the south, hence
the name Southpaw!
We lefties have sad tales about trying to cut paper with right-handed scissors
(yes, there is a difference) or having to constantly move a glass or coffee cup
from the right side of the place setting to the left. And having knuckles
stained blue with ink while trying to write a sentence on a piece of paper. I’d
come home every day from school with my blue knuckles that had been dragged
across fresh ink all day long. And try writing while balancing your hand on the
coils of a coil notebook! Small things, but it’s what happens when you live in
a right-handed world. I got lucky though, years ago as a birthday present, my
Dad bought me a left-handed hammer!
One more whining story. The other day I paid a visit to a music store that
specialized in guitars and was shocked to find it didn’t have one left-handed
acoustic guitar. Not one! Apparently, that very thing happened to the
late musician David Bowie. As the story goes, David Bowie was left-handed;
however, he taught himself to play guitar right-handed! Why? There weren’t any
left-handed guitars in the store when he went to buy one! Jimi Hendrix played
left-handed on a right-handed guitar. In the 1960’s left-handed guitars were
hard to find, and when you did find one, it was usually expensive. So, he just
flipped over the right- handed guitar and re-strung it lefty. And of course, no
mention of left-handed musicians is complete without Paul McCartney, one of the
most famous bass players who plays lefty.
There’s one advantage to being a lefty that I discovered when I was
interviewing NHL tough guy Dave “The Hammer” Schultz. The Hammer was quite the
fighter on ice. He wrote a book about his life as a hockey enforcer, and I
interviewed him about the book on the Vancouver Show. Dave explained in his
book how he won most of his fights, and I asked him to demonstrate during the
interview. Dave said, “I reach across and grab my opponent by the jersey with
my left hand and use my left arm to block any punches he throws, so go ahead,
try to hit me!” I threw a punch and hit him on the jaw! “Hey!” he said. “Dave,”
I said, “I’m left- handed.” His theory worked for someone punching with their
right hand, but he was wide open for a left-handed punch. Try it at home and
you’ll see what I mean. Score one for the Southpaw.
We do have some famous lefties in our ranks. Here’s a short list.
Barack
Obama
Bill Gates
Mark Zuckerberg
Lady Gaga
Julia Roberts
Judy Garland
Whoopi Goldberg
Oprah Winfrey
Albert Einstein
Leonardo Da Vinci
Rick Forchuk
And Juanita, yes, our Blue Frog’s Juanita!
A wise guy once said: “If the left side of the brain controls the right side of
the body, and if the right side of the brain controls the left side of the
body, then only left-handed people are in their right minds.”
And…“Everyone is born right-handed; only the greatest overcome it.” Haha! Left
On! August 13th is our day to celebrate!
If you carry two passports, one being Canadian, you should read this: Dual Canadian citizens can no longer travel to or transit through Cana...
