Steveston Hub

Many people remember the Nikka building on Moncton Street as Storybrooke Library on the TV show Once Upon a Time. Today, when you look up to the second floor, you will see a sign for Steveston Hub, an alternative community space occupying 5,000 square feet of the building.

Nick and Jamie Osborne and Darren and Crista Lof are the two couples who run this non-profit organization funded by donations from outside organizations that use the space and support the Hub’s vision to help the community flourish.

The Hub is a labour of love for the four founders. They all hold other jobs and give their time to the Hub. Nick’s church pays him a part-time wage for his work at the non-profit.

We want to support all things that help the village thrive.

In January 2019, four small Steveston churches were offered the use of a small room on Bayview Street. The churches were from different backgrounds but worked to create an alternative community space, and the Steveston Hub was born. Given the size of the room, the first uses were for coworking and yoga classes.

Over time, two of the churches moved to other areas of Richmond; Lighthouse Steveston and Gather Steveston churches now sponsor the Hub.

Nick is Lighthouse’s pastor, while Darren is Gather’s pastor. Nick notes that the churches are two denominations, but now all Church at the Hub gatherings are held together.

We gather voices, perspectives, and backgrounds. It is so enriching; it is a rewarding perspective of life.

Nick says, “Church at the Hub gatherings are built around the values of experiencing community and equipping people to live well Monday through Saturday. Because of this, not every Sunday is what you might call a 'typical' Sunday morning service. The service includes time for musical or art-based worship, food, and relevant, conversational discussion about spiritual wellbeing in the journey through life.”

He adds, “We meet for worship, community, and dialogue. All are welcome, including dogs!”

The first two years, it was like crickets and cobwebs due to the pandemic; now we are seeing monthly growth in how the space is used.

“We have built our three pillars on community engagement, wellness and collaboration,” says Nick.

Over the past two years, the Hub has presented and hosted multiple events and programs, including open mic nights for poets and musicians, art shows, auctions for local artists, trivia night, a Halloween murder mystery, dances, and artisan markets. Musicians also use the venue for practices, concerts, and video filming. The non-profit also hosts meetings and workshops for other non-profit and for-profit organizations.

Three yoga organizations (Calla Prana, 8th Element and Wild Way) hold regular classes in the Hub’s yoga studio. Coworking and art studio spaces are available three days a week for people looking for a place to work or paint.

Every Friday night Swingout Richmond holds swing dance lessons. Nick, Jamie, Darren, and Crista take classes together and have a great time.

Over 30 artists sell their creations at the Hub’s twice-annual artisan markets. This past Christmas, the market attracted over 1,500 people. Nick reports that some vendors said it was the best market they have exhibited at based on the atmosphere and the low booth rental fee. “We want to give them a good experience. Jamie does an excellent job organizing the markets,” says Nick.

“What we do at the Hub is an extension of what we do at the church.”

The foursome finds joy in offering the Hub back to the community. Nick comments, “People feel welcomed, safe, and encouraged at church gatherings. A huge reward is when a person comes in and takes another step to be fully

alive. Whenever people are in the building, we hear plenty of laughter which we highly value.”

The Hub’s future is murky. The current building is under application to be torn down and rebuilt for commercial and residential occupancy. When that happens, the non-profit will look for a new affordable home in the village to continue its mission to help Steveston flourish.

You can follow Steveston Hub on Instagram @stevestonhub or visit their website.

Steveston Hub

200-3551 Moncton Street

Richmond, BC V7E 6K7

www.stevestonhub.com

Story by Sarah Gordon. April 2023.