Richmond launches innovative community services app

An innovative new mobile application created by the city of Richmond is now available for download. The multipurpose “Richmond BC” app provides mobile access to up-to-date information on all parks and cultural, recreational and heritage facilities in the city. The new app also features location-aware technology for interactive mobile tours of the Britannia Shipyard National Historic Site. It is free to download and is available from iTunes and Google Play stores.

This exciting new app is a powerful tool to discover what to do, where to go, and what is happening at any of the City’s award winning facilities. It will enhance experiencing the City and stimulate resident engagement in community events and programs.

“This innovative app demonstrates the city’s commitment to improving access to key services across all digital platforms while increasing opportunities for citizens to more easily connect,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie, “I am very proud and excited that Richmond is able to lead the way in this technological development.”

Users of the app will have direct access to an interactive map with a complete list of all City parks, recreation, heritage and cultural facilities and the Richmond Olympic Oval. Users will be able to search the address, history, hours of operation, GPS coordinates of each location and access directions to get there. The app will also allow users to access a calendar of all events, programs and services.

Using next-gen Bluetooth Smart technology, the app also enables users to take self-guided tours of Britannia Shipyard National Historic Site. Users can take an interactive tour through their phone at each historic building. As users walk freely around the shipyard, the app will push information on ‘nearby’ stations to their phone for the user to read and watch. This feature will be expanded to other museums and historical sites in the near future.

The Richmond BC app was created by city staff from the Information Technology Division and Community Services Department, with development work by Richmond’s Opacity Design Group. It is available to download for free for iPhone and for all Android devices.