Opening a clinic in Richmond has become easier thanks to a new partnership between the Richmond Division of Family Practice and the City of Richmond. By simplifying zoning, permits, and licensing, the initiative helps physicians navigate municipal requirements so they can focus on building practices and caring for patients.
How the Partnership to Support Opening a Clinic in Richmond Began
A Richmond Division presentation to City Council last year sparked deeper conversations about the challenges Family Physicians face when opening new clinics. For Katie Ferland, Director of Business Services at the City of Richmond, it revealed an important opportunity.
“We act as the window into local government for businesses,” she says. “It turns out there is a major role for us to play here, too.”
That single presentation evolved into a formal working group that united eight Physicians, senior City staff, and representatives from Doctors of BC’s Practice Support Team. Their goal? Reduce confusion around zoning, permits, and business licensing for Physicians.
“We took a closer look and realized that medical offices are allowed in most commercial zones,” says Ferland. “We focused on education and communication, and created a starter pack of helpful resources.”
This clear, accessible guide now helps Physicians to understand zoning bylaws, licensing steps, and permit requirements. It is bridging a communication gap that had slowed clinic development.
The collaboration has also helped the Richmond Division better align municipal services with the needs of Physicians, who are often small business owners themselves. And while the team jokes that earlier communication felt like talking through cups and string, the new partnership has created a much clearer, two-way channel.
Making the Process Easier for Physicians
In the past year, several Physicians have received direct support from the City’s economic development team, making it easier to navigate the process of starting a clinic. “Doctors, like other entrepreneurs, are experts at what they do,” Ferland says. “Our job is to be that bridge to navigate City systems for them, so they can be successful.”
This partnership has been especially valuable for new-to-practice and internationally trained doctors. It deepened the Division’s understanding of how aligning municipal business services with health care needs can support Physician recruitment and access to patient care.
“Thanks to leadership from City Council, the Committee members, and the Richmond Division, we now think of Family Physicians as entrepreneurs who need the same kind of support,” explains Ferland. “We’ve got this direct line of communication now. If the Division needs us, we’re here.”
Through this collaboration, Family Physicians, including those new to practice and internationally trained, are finding better support for opening a clinic in Richmond. By bridging communication gaps and aligning business services with health care needs, the City and Division are helping physicians succeed while improving access to primary care.
Thinking about opening a clinic in Richmond? Connect with the Richmond Division of Family Practice to access resources, guidance, and community support.
A version of this article was originally published in Richmond Division of Family Practice Annual Impact Report 2025-25
