09/22/2026
Harold Steves has been awarded the B.C. Medal of Good Citizenship!
Harold Steves has devoted seven decades to shaping B.C.’s social, environmental and agricultural landscape. From his early days as a student activist at UBC, to his leadership as a member of the Legislative Assembly and remarkable 51-year tenure as a Richmond City Councillor, his influence has been profound.
Harold was instrumental in creating the Agricultural Land Reserve, protecting 4.6 million hectares of farmland and establishing a globally recognized model for agricultural preservation that continues to safeguard food security.
Harold helped halt the dumping of raw sewage into the Fraser River, preventing long-term damage to wildlife habitats. Even at an advanced age, he continues to grow heirloom seeds, raise Belted Galloway cattle and collaborate with international scientists to advance composting technology.
Harold’s many accomplishments include the creation of the Richmond Nature Park, Garry Point Park, Terra Nova Rural Park, London Heritage Farm, Britannia Shipyard Park, Garden City Lands, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Richmond Farm School – the first farm school in North America.
Harold was the first president of the Steveston Historical Society. Committed to preserving the town’s history, he co-authored a book on the Steveston waterfront to raise funds for the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site and has collected thousands of artifacts, including contents of the historic Hong Wo store. He works with the Museum of Anthropology to identify First Nations historic sites and preserve early artifacts.
His life’s work reflects, not ambition, but devotion to land, to community, to justice and the belief one person’s persistence can protect what is irreplaceable.
Visit the link in our bio to learn more about this year’s B.C. Medal of Good Citizenship recipients.
