From the Desk of Mayor David West
June E-Newsletter 2022
Dear Neighbours,
It feels like summer is here as we announce Richmond Hill Blooms, in-person City celebrations and…. road work! In June we celebrate Fathers Day, so I am wishing a Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads and father figures in our community. Please read on to see some of the other dates of importance in June.
As spring becomes summer, I feel like our city blossoms and shows us the best it has to offer. I hope that you will have time to enjoy some of the great activities happening around Richmond Hill.
Sincerely,
Mayor David West
City of Richmond Hill
May Highlights
I am choosing to highlight these dates of importance because it is essential to me that we are mindful of and grateful for our diversity in Richmond Hill. Our population is fortunate to benefit from the richness of many cultures and peoples.
In June, we acknowledge National Indigenous History Month. During this month, please take time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada. June 21 is the 26th National Indigenous Peoples Day. I will be reflecting on the efforts I can take to become educated as I strive to be an ally. National Indigenous Peoples Day |
There are three heritages we acknowledge in June: Filipino Heritage Month , Italian Heritage Month, and Portuguese Heritage Month. During heritage months we recognize specific communities and citizens who have contributed so much to building our city and our country.
Salamat.
Grazie.
Obrigada.
June is Seniors Month and a great time to visit and appreciate those members of our community over 55. They will tell you about Richmond Hill 30 years ago and you will not believe the changes!
The launch of Pride Season begins in June. Pride Season includes the wide range of Pride events that happen between June and September. These are events when LGBTQ2 communities and allies come together to spotlight the resilience, celebrate the talent, and recognize the contributions of LGBTQ2 communities. Let’s enjoy a happy, safe, inclusive Pride Season! Thank you to our Richmond Hill Public Library for presenting an exciting collaboration with the AGO celebrating 2SLGBTQ+ artwork www.rhpl.ca/pride |
I would like to think that we acknowledge our multicultural population everyday, but on June 27th, Canadian Multiculturalism Day, please take an extra moment to appreciate and celebrate our diverse city and the many contributions of our residents.
#InclusiveRH
Let’s continue to SHOW our diversity, our equity, and our inclusive attitudes through actions.
#InclusiveRH
Richmond Hill Blooms is Back
It is time to celebrate the beauty of our city’s private gardens, while we recognize Pollinator Week!
Richmond Hill Blooms is a program designed acknowledge great front gardens. Nominate your own front garden or the front gardens of family and friends in Richmond Hill online from Friday, June 10 to Friday, July 15, 2022.
Just in time for RH Blooms, Richmond Hill has gardening webinars scheduled to support our green thumbs. Learn more here.
Share your submissions photos with us on social media #InclusiveRH
National Indigenous History Month
In the month of June, National Indigenous History Month, we can all make positive contributions by learningand participating in truth and reconciliation acts while honouring the rich, diverse histories and cultures of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
In recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day June 21st, I look forward to participating in the Indigenous Peoples Celebration on June 25th at Elgin Barrow Area. Click here for more information.
Richmond Hill Public Library also has programming planned, visit www.rhpl.ca/indigenous to register.
York Region Roadwork
With the warmer weather, you may be seeing more construction crews hard at work on Regional roads.
York Region has provided a schedule so you can stay informed about disruptions as much as possible.
Thanks to York Region for building, reconstructing and repairing Regional roads for all travellers within our communities. Follow YR for regular updates and news: @YorkRegionGovt
Age Friendly Community
June is Seniors Month and to kick off the celebrations, join me at Mill Pond for the annual barbecue. Enjoy an afternoon of fun and entertainment by the Pepper Shakers.
Date: Friday, June 3
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Mill Pond Park
In case of inclement weather, the barbecue will be held at the McConaghy Centre. Registration not required.
If you are 55+, there are some other activities just for you! These fun, free activities are available by registration which began June 1.
York Region Newcomer Services
Save the Date – July 16 |
This summer I am choosing to host aUkrainian Relief Donation Drive rather than a more traditional summer event. We will be asking for what is needed most to support those displaced by the war in Ukraine as they rebuild their lives in Canada. Please come with your donations July 16th Watch my social media for more details. |
Celebrations…. In Person!
I think we will all appreciate the opportunity to join summer celebrations in person, I know I will! RibFest, Canada Day, Moonlight Movies, and Concerts in the Park are all planned to be live and in person in 2022.
For details, visit the Richmond Hill website.
If you are celebrating, it is also important to remember the Richmond Hill Firework By-Law. Did you know:
• Fireworks are NOT allowed on public property, including parks, streets and open spaces
• Fireworks are allowed on Canada Day and Victoria Day, as well as the day before and after each of these holidays
• You need a permit to host your own fireworks display on any other day
Spongy Moths….The Work Continues
The City continues to tackle the Spongy Moth population. Did you know, more than 131,000 egg masses have been removed so far this year? Street and sidewalk sweeping in hot spots will continue into July. For more information about the City’s efforts, refer to Staff Report (SRCS.21.13)
Learn more here about how you can protect trees on your property.
Richmond Hill Community Food Bank – Food Drive
The Richmond Hill Food Bank urgently needs the support of our community to replenish the shelves and address the shortage of key items.
Thanks to Ward 4 Councillor Sheppard and the numerous partners for taking the initiative to launch a Food Drive.
For a list of all the most needed items and the numerous partner organizations, please visit the Ward 4 Councillor’s website: https://raikasheppard.com/
A big thank you to everyone involved for supporting our community. For more information about the Richmond Hill Food Bank visit their website.