From the Desk of Mayor David West
August E-Newsletter 2024
Dear Neighbours,
Summer is in full swing and I hope that you have enjoyed the terrific schedule of festivals in Richmond Hill so far, because there is more to come in August!
I have been busy behind the scenes, advocating on behalf of Richmond Hill residents to our Provincial government, working to refresh my website, and supporting local businesses, charities, and community groups. Check out the “News from Office of the Mayor” section for all the details.
As the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad are underway and we cheer for Team Canada at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, we are especially hopeful for our local York Region athletes. We wish them every success and acknowledge their tremendous achievements to date.
Watching the Olympics always fills me with hope – seeing citizens of the world united, competing, striving, and celebrating together regardless of their faith, language, or politics. If we apply that same acceptance and inclusivity to our global community, just think what we could achieve!
Sincerely,
Mayor David West
City of Richmond Hil
Richmond Hill News
On August 1, I was honoured to cohost an Emancipation Day Commemoration with the Richmond Hill based organization the York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities, MP Jowhari, one of our local Federal MPs and the mover of the Member Motion that established our national recognition of this important date, and the Richmond Hill Public Library, a community and cultural hub in our city.
We came together to honor and celebrate Emancipation Day, a pivotal moment in our shared history, commemorating the profound impact of emancipation and recognizing the enduring spirit of freedom and justice.
Emancipation Day represents not only the end of slavery but also the beginning of a new chapter in the ongoing pursuit of equality and human dignity. It is a time to reflect on the struggles and achievements of those who came before us and to renew our commitment to building a more just and inclusive society for all.
In 2023, this Richmond Hill City Council approved the City’s first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan. This plan is the result of work to deepen our understanding of how we can become more equitable and inclusive for and with our community. It arises from the recognition by Council that we need to build a strong sense of belonging in Richmond Hill now and for the future. Richmond Hill is a diverse community and we can’t move forward together if some of us are held back.
Together, let us pay tribute to the resilience and strength of those who fought for freedom and equality.
Congratulations to the City of Richmond Hill!
Recently, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awarded our City the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the City’s 2024 Budget.
As a recipient, the City of Richmond Hill’s 2024 Budget Book is recognized as an example of excellence in government budget best practices throughout North America. To receive this budget award, Richmond Hill had to meet nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentations. These guidelines assessed how well the City’s 2024 Budget Book served as a policy document, a financial plan, an operational guide and a communications device.
This is another example of the stellar work that is happening at City Hall. We don’t always see the effort and excellence that happens behind the scenes and in our community, so I am proud to take a moment to shine a light on this achievement.
Quotes
I’m so pleased that Richmond Hill’s budget presentation is being recognized with this international award. The budget for a municipality of our size can be large and complicated but our fantastic finance staff, along with all Richmond Hill staff who contribute to the process, provide the right information for Council to make clear decisions. Our budget book is also evolving each year to be easier for our community to understand, so we can continue to be transparent in how we spend tax dollars. – Mayor David West
This is a chance for all the residents of Richmond Hill to share in this distinguished award, as the City of Richmond Hill asks for your input in YOUR budget.
Take a survey about your City’s 2025 budget now.
Moments in Sport Contest
Do you remember that one moment when you realized the importance of sport in your life? Was it making the game winning play, executing a perfect routine, taking part in a new activity, or watching your favourite team achieve glory?
Sport has shaped some of the greatest memories in our lives, whether as an active participate or as a spectator cheering on the sidelines, and now the City of Richmond Hill is giving you the chance to capture that memory and WIN a Sports Hall of Fame Prize Pack, a $100 gift card and have your moment immortalized in the Richmond Hill Sports Hall of Fame. Submissions are due by Monday, August 19, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.
Submit a photograph, drawing, poem, song or a creative submission, along with a description of how that moment in sport inspired you to become the person you are or the impact it has made with family, friends or the community.
News from the Office of the Mayor
As we enjoy another summer long weekend, sadly it is already the midpoint of this fleeting season. So far this summer I have been busy meeting with stakeholders and officials both from our Richmond Hill community and representatives from other municipalities and levels of government to further the work of advocating for our city. I have also undertaken a website refresh that adds several new features including translation services, so that I can continue to connect with all Richmond Hill residents. Please check it out, and share with your friends and neighbours.
I continue to advocate strongly for our city at the Provincial level and you will see my most recent communication to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Hon. Paul Calandra below and in full on my website. I am pleased that my efforts have been fruitful and look forward to my upcoming meeting with Minister Calandra at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference happening later this month when I will continue to press for equitable measurement metrics of the Building Faster Fund.
I will always work tirelessly for our city.
Stronger Together – Building for Today and Tomorrow
In October I look forward to sharing my annual State of the City address, hosted by the Richmond Hill Board of Trade. This is always a highlight of the year for me, as I get to share some of the key successes we have realized in Richmond Hill and outline our goals and plans for the year ahead.
Committee of the Whole meetings and Council Public Meetings are paused for the summer recess but you can watch the recordings of any meetings you missed at the link below.
Thank you for your civic engagement.
Need to connect to a community service but don’t know where to start?
The South Central Richmond Hill Community Action Table, which is led by Family Services York Region, has created a community resource intended to connect residents with services in their ongoing effort to identify local services within a community.
There are currently 177 entries with many more additions planned for the first quarterly update. For each service listing in the resource, there is a brief description and a link to a service provider’s website.
I think this is terrific tool for all Richmond Hill residents and I applaud the SCRHCAT for a creating this great asset map for our community.
Construction in Richmond Hill
This is a critical time for our roadwork crews to implement improvements that help us get around the city efficiently.
The delays can be frustrating, I know, but remember you can visit the York Region Construction Schedule to learn about Regional road work and plan your routes if you want to avoid these work zones.
Safe travels!
Borrow Beyond Books!
Did you know Richmond Hill Public Library lends more than just books – and its ‘Library of Things’ is growing!
From kitchen gadgets and tools to gardening instruments, hobbies and crafts, and even technology devices, members have access to borrow items for free and discover new possibilities for doing things.
Fire Safety 101: A Student’s Guide to Living Away from Home!
Heading back to school is an exciting time, especially if it’s the first time away from home – but it’s important to remember fire safety.
· Know Your Fire Safety Basics: Familiarize yourself with the school’s evacuation plan and locate fire alarms and extinguishers. It’s your home away from home, so safety is key!
· Avoid Electrical Overload: Don’t let your excitement overload your outlets. Use appliances wisely and keep an eye out for any signs of wear and tear.
· Charge Safely: Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch. Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged
· Candle Caution: Candles may set the mood, but they can also start fires. Opt for flameless options or keep them away from flammable items.
· Test Your Smoke Alarm: It’s not just for show! Test your smoke alarm regularly to keep your living space safe.
Stay safe, savvy, and make this new adventure memorable!
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:
Summer Curbside Giveaway date August 24, 2024
York Region residents are invited to place unwanted items, labelled FREE, at the curb for other residents and community members to browse and take for their own use, free of charge.
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
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
