From the Desk of Mayor David West
August E-Newsletter 2023
Dear Neighbours,
The celebrations for Richmond Hill’s 150 Anniversary are ongoing and as a part of RH150 events, murals have been created by local artists around the city. The successful artists have captured the community pride and social connectivity of Richmond Hill’s past, present, and future in their work. The unveiling of these community murals is a part of Heritage Summit in September. Seek out the mural in your Ward:
Looking ahead, our vibrant Arts and Culture scene has lots scheduled including the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts 23-24 season launch in September, and Artwalk on September 23 showcasing 58 local artists and artisans. Moonlight Moviesbegin August 21 and continue into September.
I have always appreciated the beauty of our city. Now, I am inviting you to do the samethrough a camera lens. Share what you love about Richmond Hill by entering The Mayor’s Photo Exhibition “I Love Richmond Hill”. Pick up a camera (or your phone) and capture your favourite places, spaces, activities, and moments in Richmond Hill in one special image. Visit I Love Richmond Hill for all the details and to participate.
Please share this e-newsletter with anyone you know who would like to receive this mailing and encourage them to sign up to receive my monthly e-newsletter in their inbox.
Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
Mayor David West
City of Richmond Hill
Mayor West's Photo Exhibition Contest
Share what it is that you love about Richmond Hill.
I am happy to launch my I Love Richmond Hill Photo Exhibition Contest
in partnership with the Richmond Hill Camera Club. This contest is open to everyone who lives and works in Richmond Hill and it is an opportunity to submit a photo of the place, event, activity, or moment that you cherish in our city.
The contest runs from August 1 to October 1, 2023 with two categories for entry, under and over 18 years of age. Photos that the judges decide best capture the theme “I Love Richmond Hill” will be displayed at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts November 15.
Participate to share your photography skills, to share your passion for Richmond Hill and to showcase the things that make our city special.
What's On in Richmond Hill
August is filled with opportunities to enjoy our city. Whether at the ongoing Richmond Hill outdoor concerts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays or at the Richmond Hill Public Library with their wide array of programming, you can always find entertainment for the whole family.
August Heritage Dates
Emancipation Day is August 1st, the actual day in 1834 that the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across the British Empire. This is a time we give respect and appreciation to the Black and Indigenous Peoples who were once enslaved on the land that is now Canada. We pay tribute to the strong communities and their fight for freedom and justice for all.
Heritage Dates in Canada were established to create awareness, give recognition, and promote education about our cultural and historical heritage. The Richmond Hill Public Library has programming and recommended reading to support ongoing education about emancipation in recognition of Emancipation Day.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous People is August 9. There are estimated to be 476 million Indigenous peoples in the world living across 90 countries. In Richmond Hill, as we continue on the path towards truth and reconciliation, it is important to recognize and celebrate the contributions Indigenous Peoples have made, and continue to make, in our community and beyond.
Let’s continue to SHOW our diversity, our equity, and
our inclusive attitudes through actions.
#InclusiveRH
Council News
It was a pleasure to join my colleagues from Richmond Hill City Council at the Ward barbeques and concerts that have happened around town this summer. Meeting and speaking with residents from across all of Richmond Hill is the highlight of being Mayor! These community events unite our city, and we benefit from the unwavering support of the local MPs, MPPs, York Regional Police, and Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services staff who always attend.
Thank you to my council colleagues for organizing and hosting these wonderful summer events.
Council Meeting Recess
Richmond Hill Council Meetings are in recess. September 6 2023 is the next Committee of the Whole meeting and Council Meetings will resume September 13.
In reflecting on the last months at Council, I wanted to highlight a few things for my readership that I am very passionate about:
- My Member Motion for a Civic Centre Revitalization on the Civic Centre Lands at Yonge Street and Major Mackenzie which would explore creating a destination park and public square to revitalize the Village Core and provide a much needed central location for community gatherings and civic events. 15.4.8 Member Motion – Mayor West – Civic Centre Revitalization – (CW Item 12.1)
- At the June 28 2023 Council Meeting, Steven Huycke Director Legislative Services/City Clerk presented a Strong Mayor Powers overview. As I have statedbefore, I am confident in the democratic function of our Council but actions speak louder than words, so I directed the following on the first day of Strong Mayor powers coming into effect:
- delegate to Council
- the power to establish Committees and
- the power to appoint the City Manager
- and delegate to the City Manager for the City Organizational Structure
These concrete steps I have taken to show my colleagues and the residents of Richmond Hill that I think a ‘strong’ leader delegates and empowers others.
Watch Council Meetings Live or Watch the RecordingWe offer residents the opportunity to attend Council meetings in person, to watch live, or to watch a recording. Council will recess for summer July 13 and resume September 5. |
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Moving Around in Richmond Hill
Planned improvements = summer roadwork. Be aware of traffic disruptions as improvements are made over the next months, and years!
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Community Events
August promises entertainment for all ages in Richmond Hill. Below you will find a few highlights, please also visit the following calendars for local events:
Here are a few highlights….
Toy Donation Drive for
Southlake POGO
Paediatric Oncology Group of Ontario
September is Childhood Cancer Month
These toys will brighten the days of children who are receiving treatment.
The need for toys is greater than ever since, due to COVID, toys cannot be shared and therefore they go home with the child. This means that there is always a need to replenish the toys.
Donations welcomed August 1 – September 23.
Visit Oak Ridges Lions Club for details
Immigrant Stories at the RHPL
Celebrate the rich tapestry of the immigrant experience, filled with stories of strength, courage, sacrifice, and hope.
Continuing until August 23 at Richmond Hill Public Library Central Branch.
Village of Richmond Hill Business Improvement Area’s
150th Anniversary Celebration Party and Sidewalk Sale
- Saturday, August 12, 2023
- 9 am to 3 pm.
- Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts theatre south parking lot and all Sidewalks in the Village of Richmond Hill.
There will be kids’ activities, crafts, music, a Business Market and competitions for prizes.
Free event.
Richmond Hill July Events
Here are a few of the events I was privileged to participate in lately, on behalf of the City of Richmond Hill
Important Numbers and Information
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