From the Desk of Mayor David West
February E-Newsletter 2025
Dear Neighbours,
Municipalities are such an important part of our Canadian political structure in my opinion because they are in close, daily contact with the tax payers and voters. Broad sweeping decisions impacting all of Canada and the global stage are felt strongly at the municipal level, even though we do not have the power to control outcomes.
The threat of tariffs by the US this week galvanized me to exercise the control I do have to make a positive impact, locally. I am tabling a motion to adopt a ‘Made in Canada’ approach to our procurement processes at the City of Richmond Hill. Additionally I am redoubling my interest in the diversification in our business landscape and welcoming new businesses to Richmond Hill. The City of Richmond Hill Economic Development team is also continuing to actively support our business community with two initiatives, designed to address concerns about the business outlook. Read on to learn the details.
I believe that with our incredible local skilled workforce, Richmond Hill can be a municipality leads the way in building an economic landscape that actively directs our growth. Let’s continue to support local entrepreneurs and our community in any way possible.
In February, the 15 day Lunar New Year celebrations continue as we acknowledge the Spring Festival in many businesses and homes across Richmond Hill. Happy Lunar New Year to everyone recognizing the holiday!
I look forward to joining the York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities on February 15th at their Black History Month celebration. See the flyer below for all the details.
Happy Valentines Day and Happy Family Day – there are so many activities happening in and around Richmond Hill that you won’t have trouble filling up a 3 day weekend, just check out the links in “Community Events and News”.
I look forward to seeing you soon,
Mayor David West
City of Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill News
City of Richmond Hill - Service Charter
Did you know there are service commitments published for close to 40 of the City’s service areas with the launch of the Service Charter? These commitments outline clear customer service promises to residents when they interact with the City.
Specific service commitments are listed on related service area pages. For example, building permit commitments are under “Service Commitments” on our Building Permits page.
You can find the complete list of service areas with published commitments in the document “Appendix E – – List of Service Areas with Service Commitments,” which contains links to pages with service commitments in the November 20 Committee of the Whole meeting agenda about the Service Charter (11.2).
Economic Development - Tariff Response
Richmond Hill Economic Development and Small Business Enterprise Centre want Richmond Hill businesses to be supported in this turbulent time.
In addition to the SBEC survey there is a one-stop website designed to provide the latest information, links, programs, and services in one helpful location. Please share with all the local business owners you know! The Tariff Response Resources page is live now: www.richmondhill.ca/Tariffs
City of Richmond Hill Surveys
The City of Richmond Hill is seeking your input!
You are invited to take part in several online surveys:
Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy Survey closes on February 19
Richmond Green Revitalization Master Plan Survey closes on February 14
News from the Office of the Mayor
Mark your calendars for my upcoming 2025 Speaker Series, “Sustainability in Our City”.
Together with subject matter experts from City of Richmond Hill staff, United Nations University Institute of Water, Environment, and Health, and knowledgeable community leaders, I am looking forward to hosting these casual community conversations as we gain a better understanding the UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and explore what our community believes sustainability looks like in Richmond Hill.
We will meet at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, Plaza Suite for the following conversations:
March 18 – Topic: Introduction to SDGs
June 19 – Topic: Planting for Sustainability
October 16 – Topic: Celebrating Local Sustainability Success
Please register on my website.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the conversations will run from 7-8 p.m.
Watch for Richmond Hill Council in the Community
It is my pleasure to support events happening in Richmond Hill.
I hope to see you around town at some of the fantastic upcoming happenings like the Black History Month Celebration and the Richmond Hill Coyotes JAGS game.
It's Cold Out There!
Let's Do Something About It...
This winter, while I am thrilled to see the snow, I also know that means those experiencing homelessness are having a more difficult season as they are forced to navigate the realities of this intense Canadian winter.
On February 22, the David West Community Volunteers team is joining countless Richmond Hill residents at the “Coldest Night of the Year” fundraiser supporting Blue Door shelter.
On March 6th, I am leading the York Region Mayors Team in the 360 Experience to raise funds and awareness about the realities of youth homelessness in York Region. Let’s be there for our youth in their time of need.
Please show your support
SAVE THE DATE!
Spring is around the corner and that means it is time for my annual Maple Syrup Festival. Mark your calendar for April 12, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Richmond Green Park and I’ll look forward to seeing you then for a taste of maple syrup, a yummy pancake breakfast, and fun for the whole family.
Watch my website for the latest news as MSF2025 gets closer.
Attention Non- Profit Community Groups:
Non-profit community groups that wish to participate with a table at the MSF are invited to submit an application. Please send my office the following information to receive an application from Richmond Hill Events:
- Organization Name and organization email address
- Primary Point of Contact name and email address
Thank you Richmond Hill for your interest and support. I can’t wait to see you there!
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
RHPL On the Go Express Kiosks
I am excited to inform you that Richmond Hill Public Library will be launching RHPL On the Go express kiosks at Ed Sackfield Arena and Elgin West Community Centre. These kiosks will be operational and promoted starting the first week of February. They offer library members the convenience of borrowing and returning books while visiting these community locations.
The kiosks are easy to use—members can simply scan their library card, select a book, and return any items they’ve borrowed. The kiosk will automatically check out the items to their card, providing a seamless experience for patrons.
This new initiative is part of RHPL’s commitment to bring library services closer to residents, especially those in areas with limited access to their physical branches.
Visit the Richmond Hill Public Library to learn more.
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:
On Saturday Feb. 8th, in Richmond Hill, from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, join Memory Lane Home Living for an afternoon of soup sampling, hearty laughs and community connection!
This is an in-person FUN-raising event that promises fun and laughter. The entertainment is exceptional. Bent Fork Improv is a new sensation in York Region.
Bring your friends and family for a memorable event. Consider making it a Valentines date! Don’t miss out on this unique combination of food and entertainment!
Tickets on sale: https://www.memorylanehomeliving.ca/ $30/ticket or $50/2 tickets. Call 905.237.1419.
L’Arche Daybreak is excited to invite you to the “Creativity in Community” Art Show on Friday, February 14, 2025. You can drop by anytime between noon and 9 PM at the historic Boynton House, located at the northwest corner of Leslie Street and Elgin Mills Road (Richmond Green) in Richmond Hill.
We will feature the works of two gifted artists from our community: Courtney Lynn Burns and Tom Krysiak. Courtney and Tom offer unique perspectives on the world around them through their art. We are thrilled to share their creations with you.
We can’t wait to celebrate this special occasion as part of our 55th Anniversary and look forward to seeing you there. Please mark your calendars for a memorable day of art and inspiration! We also encourage you to bring your friends and family along!
Richmond Hill January 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****@**********ll.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
