From the Desk of Mayor David West
May E-Newsletter 2024
Dear Neighbours,
Richmond Hill, we are firing on all cylinders!
I am ecstatic to see so many of the initiatives that I have championed in this term coming to fruition. From the ongoing drive to attract new investments and businesses to our constant priority of building a sustainable city, the hard work is paying off.
In this issue you will read about organizations that are choosing to call Richmond Hill home and programs that support the rich natural environment we are fortunate to have. I work hard to advocate for our city everyday and seeing these positive results is what makes this job so rewarding.
Another initiative that I care deeply about is building interest in Municipal politics among our younger residents, so I am launching my “Mayor for a Day” event, encouraging youths in grade 5, 6, & 7 who live and go to school in Richmond Hill to apply for the job. One student will be selected to experience the job of Mayor for a day, on June 17. I look forward to reading the submissions – All the details are on my website and the entry deadline is May 20, 2024.
May is a great time to get outside and embrace the changing seasons and in Richmond Hill there is truly something going on for everyone! From gardening and yard care, Clean Up, Green Up initiatives and tree plantings to fundraising and food raising events, the calendar is packed.
Sincerely,
Mayor David West
City of Richmond Hil
What's On in Richmond Hill
Achieving the “Bird Friendly City” status is just one of several environmental initiatives that I have been proud to champion in my time on Council.
As York Region Chair of Public Words – Environmental Services, I see the sustainability projects underway across our Region and I am exceptionally proud of the terrific work happening here in Richmond Hill.
Thanks to the ongoing care and protection of our natural environment, more than 115 bird species call Richmond Hill home! Birds play an essential role in healthy ecosystems and resilient communities but recently bird populations have been declining due to various factors, including human activities and climate change.
You are invited to get involved in supporting our feathered friends by visiting RichmondHill.ca/Birds to learn what we can each do to help.
Starting May 9, cast your ballot to participate in naming a Richmond Hill Official Bird!
You can celebrate World Migratory Bird Day at this free ‘drop in’ community event at Central Library
May 11 – Birds and Bugs Bonanza (free)
- This event celebrates World Migratory Bird Day, and fulfills a commitment under the Bird-Friendly Cities program
- Collaboration between Sustainability section, RHPL, and Richmond Hill’s Bird Team (resident volunteers)
- Various booths and activities will provide education on protecting bird populations and habitat
Last spring I was happy to acknowledge the hard work of the dedicated team behind the initiative to declare Richmond Hill a Bird Friendly City, through Nature Canada.
Deadline for Nominations: Friday, May 31, 2 p.m.
The City of Richmond Hill is accepting nominations for the York Region District School Board Trustee By-Election for Richmond Hill Wards 1, 2 and 4.
A By-election will be held on Monday, July 15, 2024. Elected by residents, the Trustee is guided by the Education Act and responsible for helping set operational policies for all public schools in York Region. The current term will end November 2026.
>> Learn more
Take the second Property Standards Survey!
Do you have concerns related to lighting, unattended properties and other property related issues? Let the City of Richmond Hill know by taking their second Property Standards Survey. This by-law sets maintenance standards for properties, including vacant and heritage properties. It also includes requirements for fences, yards, driveways and buildings on the property.
To learn more about our city bylaws and to take the survey visit the city website.
News from the Office of the Mayor
Organizations Choosing Richmond Hill
April was an exciting month for Richmond Hill and I wanted to highlight just two of the events that exemplify some of the ways that we are growing, in both services and opportunities.
telMAX broke ground in April, marking the beginning of their fibre Internet infrastructure project that will deliver all-fibre Internet connectivity to Richmond Hill residents and businesses throughout the community.
Offering options for our residents to have the connectivity they need to live and work in Richmond Hill has never been more important.
Also this month, we welcomed the UN University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health to our community. As the academic arm of the United Nations, with 13 institutes located in 12 countries around the world, the United Nations University (UNU) addresses a range of global development and human security challenges through the UNU Institute for Water, Environment and Health, that has been hosted by the Government of Canada since 1996, most recently in Hamilton at McMaster University.
Richmond Hill was selected as the institute’s new headquarters based on its exemplary leadership in the area of sustainability, its highly skilled and educated workforce, the many opportunities the City offers for partnership with the private sector, and its commitment to applying the best available knowledge to improve the quality of human life and environment.
We look forward to welcoming many more businesses and organizations to our city, creating a thriving community and economic sustainability.
News from City Hall
RICHMOND HILL: A VIBRANT AND INCLUSIVE CITY OF NEIGHBOURS
New Strategic Plan is a Guide toward achieving the
Community’s Vision for the Future
The City of Richmond Hill has launched the 2024 – 2027 Strategic Plan, establishing the roadmap for our growing and increasingly diverse community and act as a guide for Council and staff decision-making to prioritize and align Richmond Hill’s goals, resources and activities.
In the coming years, work at the City will be based on the three pillars of the Strategic Plan.
- Growing a Livable, Sustainable Community
- Focusing on People Richmond Hill’s unique character and sense of community will be supported through recreation programs, services and events
- Strengthening our Foundations The plan will focus on quality customer service and continuous improvement to support innovation
To read the full document, visit RichmondHill.ca/StrategicPlan.
I believe that Richmond Hill is a unique and welcoming place to live and work. And while it continues to grow and evolve, we learned from the community the importance of preserving the city’s sense of closeness, familiarity of people and places and being connected to our neighbours. We are all privileged to call Richmond Hill our home. The pillars, priorities and values set out in this Plan will help to guide the actions of Council and staff over the next four years. Together, we will foster our community roots as friends and neighbours, while preparing for the future as a more livable, sustainable city. I look forward to sharing our progress on this Plan in the years to come and celebrating our successes together.
– Mayor David West
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 clerks@richmondhill.ca
Thank you for your civic engagement.
News from Our Neighbours
Explore Your Future in the Fire Service with Project Blaze!
Are you a female-identifying high school student curious about careers in the fire service? Do you know someone who is?
Project Blaze, hosted by Richmond Hill Fire & Emergency Services, is the chance ignite your future in the fire service!
Project Blaze offers hands-on experience in various fire service careers, including firefighting, fire inspection, dispatch, and more. Discover the many career paths available, learn essential skills, and gain insights into this rewarding field.
Join us for an empowering experience that could spark a lifelong passion for the fire service! Register now at RichmondHill.ca/ProjectBlaze.
Registration closes June 7th – don’t miss this opportunity to blaze your trail!
Metrolinx celebrates Earth Day 2024 with
Richmond Hill’s, Clean Up, Green Up Event!
In celebration of Earth Month, Metrolinx partnered up with the City of Richmond Hill to support building greener, cleaner communities where our customers and employees live.
On Monday, April 22, 2024, the Metrolinx Yonge North Subway Extension Community Engagement team participated in Richmond Hill’s Clean Up, Green Up initiative at the Dr. James Langstaff Community Park to tackle litter and keep public spaces green and clean!
Alongside Mayor West, volunteers from the City of Richmond Hill and Metrolinx, we were able to tackle garbage and recycling materials around Dr. James Langstaff Community Park and surrounding area. Mayor West spoke about being, “inspired by the people in the community showing initiative and taking part”, of today’s Earth Day event.
Yes, at the library!
Get ready for a springtime of excitement at Richmond Hill Public Library!
Registration is now open for our May and June programs! Explore our digital program guide for a delightful array of free programs and drop-ins. From family-friendly t-shirt design to hands-on culinary adventures—there’s something special for every age group!
Download our program guide, ‘In The Know,’ and secure your spots today.
Dates of Importance and Significance
In Ontario, May is an important month as we celebrate and acknowledge the unique contributions of several community groups. In general we have both Federal and Provincial dates of importance and significance, which often overlap, but not always.
During the month of May, I would like to encourage you to visit both our Federal and our Provincial government’s websites respectively, to explore the rich history and cultural contributions behind these Heritage Dates and Dates of Significance:
Canadian Dates acknowledged in May:
- Asian Heritage Month
- Canadian Jewish Heritage Month
- Dutch Heritage Day – May 5
- International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia – May 17
- Victoria Day – May 24
Ontario Dates acknowledged in May:
- Armenian Heritage Month
- Asian Heritage Month
- Dutch Heritage Month
- Jewish Heritage Month
- Polish Heritage Month
- South Asian Heritage Month
- South Asian Arrival Day – May 5
- Tamil Genocide Education Week – May 12–18
- Ontario Flag Day – May 21
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:
Richmond Hill City Council came together to raise awareness about Canadian Mental Health Association Mental Health Week – join them at the Mental Health in Motion event on June 9.
Mental Health Week – CMHA National
Richmond Hill April 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
Access@RichmondHill.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
