From the Desk of Mayor David West
January E-Newsletter 2025
Dear Neighbours,
Happy New Year! I would like to extend my warm wishes of good health and happiness to you for the year ahead. I will be delivering these wishes in person at my inaugural New Year’s Levee on Saturday January 11, 2025.
A Levee is simply an opportunity to exchange good wishes for the new year with the local dignitaries. I will be joined by members of City Council, our local Provincial and Federal Members of Parliament, local members of the York Regional Police executive and the Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services executive team. I look forward to renewing acquaintances, and making new ones. All Richmond Hill residents are welcome at this free event, no registration is required. I hope to see you then.
I look forward to recognizing Thai Pongal during Tamil Heritage Month and wishing all Richmond Hill community members who are celebrating a year of abundance and plenty.
Later this month, we will begin to celebrate the Lunar New Year. This important holiday marks the beginning of the new year on the lunar calendar and is celebrated in many Asian countries, also known as the Spring Festival. It will be celebrated with auspicious wishes on couplets and beautiful red paper decorations displayed in many homes and businesses throughout Richmond Hill. During this special time, I wish everyone celebrating good health, good luck, and great fortune in the year ahead.
Sincerely,
Mayor David West
City of Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill News
The Richmond Hill Sports Hall of Fame is thrilled to announce its 2025 inductees: Canadian fitness expert and retired WWE professional wrestler Trish Stratus, former NHL star Michael Cammalleri, renowned hockey coach Mark Joslin, and community sports builder Brian Penrose.
Join us at the Induction Ceremony to celebrate these remarkable individuals and their contributions to sports in Richmond Hill and beyond!
More Info & Purchase Tickets: RichmondHill.ca/SportsHall
In December, I was grateful to speak with representatives from the Traumatic Incident Response Protocol (TIRP) Pilot Program. In response to the recent increase in jewelry store theft at Hillcrest Mall, the TIRP team, including Richmond Hill TIRP Coordinator Milena Day, joined York Regional Police and Hillcrest Mall staff to speak with shoppers and share information.
The TIRP aims to promptly offer coordinated support to communities affected by violent and traumatic incidents in York Region. The TIRP initiative also aims to boost community mobilization to ensure residents feel safe after a local traumatic event, thereby enhancing community safety and well-being.
Community Safety Survey
You are invited to take part in a short Community Safety Survey. Your feedback is vital for understanding our neighborhoods’ safety needs and will help advocate effective solutions to improve safety for everyone.
Click HERE for the survey!
News from the Office of the Mayor
It’s Hockey Night in Richmond Hill!
You may have noticed that we have not one team playing in Richmond Hill this year, but two! It is fantastic to host these two different franchises in our city.
You might recall in my February 2024 issue I introduced you to the Richmond Hill Rampage team and I would like to invite you to join me on Friday January 10th for a home game.
Let’s cheer for Richmond Hill Hockey!
Experience the Thrill of Local, Semi-Pro Hockey with the Richmond Hill Coyotes!
It is my pleasure to introduce you to The Richmond Hill Coyotes, playing semi-professional hockey right here in our community! From heart-pounding goals to nail-biting finishes, every game offers thrilling entertainment for fans of all ages.
Who Are the Coyotes?
The Richmond Hill Coyotes are your hometown semi-professional hockey team, showcasing top-tier, local talent for an exhilarating viewing experience. Whether you’re a lifelong hockey fan or new to the sport, the Coyotes provide action-packed play that will captivate everyone.
What Can You Expect?
With highlight-reel plays, opportunities to connect with fellow fans and exciting community events, every game is a chance to feel the energy of Coyotes hockey and become part of our local sports scene.
Where Are the Games Played?
All home games are held at Elgin Barrow Arena, 43 Church Street South, just off of Yonge Street and Major Mackenzie Drive.
When Are the Games?
The Coyotes’ season runs from October to February, featuring intense matchups against teams from all over Southern Ontario. Games are played every other Saturday at 6:30 PM at Elgin Barrow Arena.
Mark Your Calendars for These Upcoming Games:
January 5: vs. County Royals
February 9: vs. Uxbridge Pioneers
Why Support the Richmond Hill Coyotes?
More than anything else, supporting the Richmond Hill Coyotes means supporting and strengthening the broader community of Richmond Hill. With exciting games and family-friendly events like the Charity Food Drive Game, you can help those in need while cheering on your local team. It’s the perfect weekend outing to make lasting memories with loved ones and support a great cause!
This season is all about community spirit—bring your friends, family, and team pride as we cheer on the Coyotes. Let’s make this season one to remember—and help grow semi-professional hockey in Richmond Hill!
Join Mayor West and Richmond Hill Council on
February 9th for the Charity Food Drive Game.
Please show your support for our 360 Experience Mayors team
Donate today and let’s be there for our youth in their time of need.
You can attend Committee of the Whole meetings and Council Public Meetings in person at City Hall Council Chambers, watch live from home, or watch the recordings of any meetings you missed at the link below.
Thank you for your civic engagement
The Best of Your Library!
You made 2024 unforgettable with 1.3 million items borrowed, 1,299 programs attended, and 516,000 library visits. Curious about the top moments at Richmond Hill Public Library? Check out the highlights of the year.
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:
Mars Madness at the DDO
Join for the chance to see Mars at its very best this January, when Earth will pass closest to the planet Mars. Register today!
2025 Christmas Tree Collection
Collection takes place the weeks of January 7 and 14 on your regular waste collection day.
Richmond Hill December 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
