From the Desk of Mayor David West
April E-Newsletter 2024
Dear Neighbours,
Wow! Thank you to our Richmond Hill residents for joining me at my Maple Syrup Festival in record numbers. After some wild and wet weather in the week leading up to my April 6th event, Saturday morning came with a beautiful spring day.
I was delighted to see thousands of our community members enjoying this celebration of spring and maple syrup. I will be sending a special supplemental message to you that captures some of the highlights of the day.
This month, you will see lots of signs and celebrations dedicated to spring and Earth Month and I hope you will find time to join some of the programmed activities.
Sincerely,
Mayor David West
City of Richmond Hill
What's On in Richmond Hill
City Offering a Variety of Family-friendly, Eco-themed Activities
April is Earth Month, a time to celebrate our natural environment and come together to protect it. To inspire the community to take action, Richmond Hill is running the following family-friendly, eco-themed initiatives:
April 17 – Maximize Your Healthy Yard Gardening Workshop (free)
Location and time: Elgin West Community Centre, 7-8:30 p.m.
April 19 – Trees & Wildlife Workshop (free)
Location and time: Elgin West Community Centre, 6-7 p.m.
April 19 to May 3 – Clean up, Green Up Weeks (free)
Location and time: Various dates, times and locations
April 21 – Earth Day Film & Family Fun (free)
Location and time: Central Library, 2nd floor, 2-4 p.m. (drop in event, no registration required)
April 22 to May 20 – Healthy Yards Plant & Garden Sale
Richmond Hill residents can pre-order native trees, shrubs, perennial wildflower kits, rain barrels and/or composters at a low cost.
Location and time: The online store opens at 8:30 a.m. on April 22 while supplies last. Note that some items sell out fast.
April 26 – TRCA City and Nature Challenge
Join me on Friday April 26 at Lake Wilcox for Richmond Hill’s first “TRCA City Nature Challenge“.
Location and time: Lake Wilcox, 6-8 p.m. Registration Required.
For more information and to register for workshops and events, visit
RichmondHill.ca/EarthMonth.
The City of Richmond Hill is looking for your input to refresh their Festivals and Events Strategy. What’s your vision for an ideal long weekend in Richmond Hill? Are you a “can’t miss Canada Day” person or maybe you like concerts in the park? Let us know! Answer our short survey and be entered for a chance to win a $75 Visa gift card.
News from the Office of the Mayor
Advocacy Success!
Since Bill 23, the Build More Homes Faster Act, was passed, I have worked tirelessly to raise the concerns of Richmond Hill residents about the unfair burden that this legislation places on municipalities and ultimately, taxpayers.
It has been a constant thread in my conversations with Provincial and Federal representatives and I am so pleased to report progress as a result of my efforts, together with similar statements from other Municipal leaders.
In March, we welcomed Premier Ford and Provincial representatives to Richmond Hill and I joined the announcement of the 1.8-billion-dollar Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program to support infrastructure related housing projects.
This week, Minister Paul Calandra made an announcement promising further positive amendments to the original act with the “Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act” including a “use it or lose it” clause that will incentivize builders and municipalities.
While these are new announcements and we anticipate the details of them, I am happy with the progress to date. At the end of the day, we just want to get on with the work of building more homes that are affordable to more people in Richmond Hill.
#End_Gender_Based_Violence
Another success is the reversal of the Province’s previous stated decision that they would not support Bill 173, the intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act. They will now back it as it proceeds through Parliament.
On September 28, I tabled a Member Motion to support declaring Gender Based Violence an Epidemic and my Council colleagues supported this unanimously.
News from City Hall
The York District School Board Trustee By-election for Wards 1, 2 and 4 will be held on Monday July 15th with nomination day being on Friday May 31st.
The City of Richmond Hill is responsible for conducting the election and the school board is responsible for all costs.
Please note, there will not be any online voting available due to the unavailability of an online voting provider.
Yard Waste is Back
Starting April 16 in the Blue Zones and April 23 in the Yellow Zones, yard waste will be collected every other week on your regular garbage collection day.
Visit the City website for guidelines and the schedule.
Mill Pond Park Revitalization Update
Mill Pond Park is an important part of our city’s heritage. I am excited to see this Revitalization Master Plan Update and I believe it reflects the right mix of protecting the environment with natural area enhancements and invasive species management, combined with providing amenities and expanding the park by connecting it to Stavert Park.
More information about the Mill Pond Park Revitalization Master Plan can be found at RichmondHill.ca/MillPondProject.
Committee of the Whole meetings and Council Public Meetings
As always, we welcome and encourage the residents of Richmond Hill to participate in these meetings in any way that is convenient for you.
- You can attend in person or watch a meeting virtually, either live or as a recording. The link to the City’s YouTube page is below.
- All the particulars about the meetings are on the City website if you prefer to attend in person.
- Provide your comments about an agenda item by 12 p.m. the day before the meeting by emailing cl****@ri**********.ca
Thank you for your civic engagement.
News from Our Neighbours
Be Prepared, Stay Safe Every Season: Emergency Preparedness Week is Happening Soon!
Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. Are you prepared? This Emergency Preparedness Week, taking place from May 5th to 11th, the theme is ‘Plan for Every Season. Stay Safe Every Season.’ Its the perfect time to ensure you and your loved ones are ready for any situation, no matter the time of year.
Here are a few simple steps to get you started:
· Know the Risks: Stay informed about potential hazards in your area and how to respond to them.
· Make a Plan: Create an emergency plan that includes how to communicate with family members, where to meet, and what to do in different scenarios.
· Build a Kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essential items like water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and a first aid kit.
· Get Involved: Participate in local Emergency Preparedness Week activities to learn more.
Remember, being prepared can make all the difference during an emergency. Take action now to stay safe later. Find out more at RichmondHill.ca/EmergencyPreparedness
York Region is making improvements to Bathurst Street from Major Mackenzie Drive to King-Vaughan Road in the City of Richmond Hill and the City of Vaughan from April 2024 to September 2024.
For more information and impact to travelers, click here.
Dates of Importance and Significance
In Ontario, April is proclaimed to be Sikh Heritage Month. On April 13 we recognize Vaisakhi, and throughout the month of April, we can celebrate not only the many contributions of our Sikh community to Richmond Hill’s vibrant culture and also celebrate the values of equality, selflessness, openness and compassion are the core principles of Sikhism.
Let’s continue to SHOW our diversity, our equity, and our inclusive attitudes through actions.
#InclusiveRH
Community Events and News
The calendar of events in Richmond Hill continues to offer something for everyone.
Here are a few ideas to fill your free time. Please also visit the following calendars for local events:
Hill Potters’ Spring Sale
Our kilns are really working in the weeks building up to our Spring Sale. A favorite moment for any potter is the lid lifting and THE REVEAL. You may recognize these pieces by @minda.davis.7 @jleuchter @diane.thompson604 and @claud.pottery at the show.
Hill Potters’ Spring Sale
Burr House Artisan Shoppe – 530 Carrville Road, Richmond Hill, Ontario
Friday May 3, 2pm-6pm
Saturday May 4, 10am-6pm
Sunday May 5 12pm-4pm
Yes, at the library!
We’re thrilled to announce that Richmond Hill Public Library’s eagerly awaited revamped digital catalogue is live!
This milestone brings enhanced features right to your fingertips. With just your Library card, you can access personalized bookshelves, leave friendly reviews, and effortlessly create lists. Plus, our new events module makes joining library programs easier than ever before.
Don’t miss out—create your personalized account today and start exploring all the exciting updates! Simply visit: tinyurl.com/2zk96t7v
Richmond Hill March 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
ACCESS Richmond Hill
905-771-8800
Ac****@Ri**********.ca
City services, updates on damaged City property, snow clearing, streetlight maintenance
Animal Services
905-832-2281
Animal control and shelter services contracted through City of Vaughan
Alectra Utilities
1-833-253-2872
Hydro outage information, downed power lines
Inclement Weather Hotline
905-771-5487
City facility closures and recreation program cancellations
Parking Control
905-771-8860
Cars parked illegally on the street
York Region Roads
1-877-464-9675 ext 75200
Snow removal on regional roads
York Region Transit/Viva
905-762-2100
Snow removal at bus stops
