From the Desk of Mayor David West
May E-Newsletter 2025
Dear Neighbours,
In the wake of the Federal election, I am thinking a lot about our nation and what it means to be Canadian. Perhaps you are having similar thoughts? After reflection, I believe that we ALL care deeply about our country, and that by working together, we can move forward to build a strong and independent Canada. We will be stronger domestically and internationally by focusing on that which unites us, rather than what divides us.
I am hearing this call for unity coming in from all corners of our country and I suggest that we can each make small gestures and changes that will support change. Our actions as individuals, or as a city of just over 200,000 may not seem impactful when we are talking about a country of over 40 million people, but all journeys start with a single step.
For my journey as Mayor of Richmond Hill, I am committed to doing all I can to build an inclusive culture in Richmond Hill. It was my honour to represent Richmond Hill at the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Historical Gathering. As we proudly raised the Richmond Hill flag, I was grateful to the MCFN community for the invitation and I realized we are taking steps together to build a respectful relationship. Miigwetch to Chief Sault and Councillor Emma Ferrell for inviting us and considering us allies.
I will continue to seek support from all levels of government, and will welcome the engagement of the newly elected Federal MPs representing our city. And I will work to support our local businesses and entrepreneurs, whether that is from City Hall, or with my household shopping.
May is a beautiful time in our city, as it is across Canada – As you enjoy the multitude of events and activities happening, I hope you feel the urge to find new and different ways to support our city, our community of friends and neighbours.
I look forward to seeing you soon,
Mayor David West
City of Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill News
The City’s Artist in Residence program supports local artists in creating engaging public art, enhancing our community’s cultural landscape. This initiative is bringing a captivating new art installation to William Duncan Park this summer, featuring the work of the 2024/25 Artist in Residence, Jasmine Vanstone.
Artists are invited to submit their application to participate in ArtWalk 2025, a free, one-day indoor and outdoor artist and artisan marketplace at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts – note the deadline is May 19th
City of Richmond Hill Communications Services wants YOUR input to understand what makes Richmond Hill special. Please take 5 minutes to add your voice because no one knows our city better than you!
The survey is open from April 29 – May 20
City of Richmond Hill - Recent Press Release Highlights
Signing up for the City of Richmond Hill press releases is a great way to get the most up to date information about what is happening in our city. If you are not already subscribed, I highly recommend it as a great tool to get timely updates. Here are highlights of recent releases:
RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill residents now have access to a personalized rooftop heat loss map and home energy rating thanks to a partnership between the City and Enbridge Gas. The MyHEAT thermal imaging map shows where heat is escaping from the home, so residents can prioritize energy efficiency upgrades like adding insulation or sealing air leaks. How it works Visit www.enbridgegas.com/heat-map, enter your home address into the search bar and explore your heat loss map and analysis. You can then download and save your report. The website also includes information about incentive programs, how to reduce energy costs and improve home comfort. For more information, visit RichmondHill.ca/Energy.
RICHMOND HILL – The City of Richmond Hill is making battery recycling safer than ever thanks to a partnership with Environmental 360 Solutions (E360S), a leader in waste management. Their innovative smart recycling containers with built-in fire suppression system are now available for residents to use at four City facilities.
Batteries contain combustible, flammable materials that are harmful to the environment and may cause fires when damaged or overheated. That’s why proper battery handling and recycling is so important. read the full press release here.
Check out Richmond Hill’s Climate Change Action Plan Page!
Richmond Hill is already feeling, and will continue to experience, the effects of climate change such as heat waves, ice storms, increased rainfall, high wind speeds and more freeze-thaw cycles. On the Climate Change Action Plan page you can find support for dealing with flooding, heat, and emergency preparedness.
Did you know… the average cost of a flooded basement is $43,000!! Protect your home with this one-page “Home Flood Protection” guide from the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation (also available in simplified and traditional Chinese).
As we head into summer, heat stress can be problematic for many residents, and even lethal for some. The “Home Heat Protection” and “Apartment and Condo Heat Protection” guides from the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation can offer practice tips.
Read on to learn about Richmond Hill’s Fire and Emergency Services Emergency Plan for the community.
We all have a role to play in reducing our emissions and becoming resilient!
Join the movement!
News from the Office of the Mayor
Calling all Richmond Hill students in grades 5 – 8
Apply today for a chance to be Mayor for a Day!
Deadline for online submissions is midnight May 11th, 2025.
Facing Issues that Require Serious Action
OBCM offers a way to amplify the voices of cities across Ontario who are experiencing similar challenges. I ran for the position of Treasurer and was happy to have the support of my mayoral colleagues because I believe that Richmond Hill residents deserve to have as much advocacy as I can offer.
As Mayor, I look forward to collaborations with the newly elected Members of Parliament in Richmond Hill, Costas Menegakis and Vincent Ho.
We are facing serious issues right now, and they cannot be solved without the support of both the Federal and Provincial governments. I will be looking to our MPs for their engagement on the important topics to Richmond Hill residents.
It will be my pleasure to have them roll up their sleeves and join me as we continue to fight for fair and sustainable funding for municipalities, affordable housing, and address crime and safety in our community.
Launching my YouTube Channel
Spring is for new endeavours, so I am launching a YouTube channel to share video content with Richmond Hill residents. Please subscribe and stay up to date with the latest content from the Office of the Mayor.
Richmond Hill was invited to attend the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations Historical Gathering Conference. This is another development in the ongoing effort we are investing to build friendships and relationships with our Treaty Partners, MCFN. We proudly raised the Richmond Hill flag along with Hamilton and Halton Hills as well. I value the great relationship we have formed with Chief Claire Sault and appreciated the opportunity to learn about their history.
During this day of Nation to Nation and Government to Government meetings, it was illuminating to hear from Justice Harry LaForme, the first appellate court judge in Canadian history with a First Nations background. He served as the Commissioner of the Indian Commission of Ontario; as the Chair of the Royal Commissions of Aboriginal Land Claims; and until 2008, as head of the Indian Residential School Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He offered a great discussion about the many challenges still faced by First Nations like the Misissaugas of the Credit FN. I was honoured to participate as we create meaningful connections with good intentions.
News from Council
One of my priorities this term of council was to make Council meetings civil and welcoming to Richmond Hill residents. It is important to me that everyone in Richmond Hill feels able to attend these meetings which shape our city. You can visit the City of Richmond Hill website and select “Council, Council Calendar” to get to the search page shown here and learn about what your elected official are discussing.
Please remember that 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.
Community Events and News
Thanks to the Volunteers
This week has been Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 27 – May 3). The City of Richmond Hill gathered together for the 58th Volunteer Achievement Awards to acknowledge the dedication and care of these terrific volunteers that we are lucky to have in Richmond Hill. I know that I personally am always struck by the phenonomial range of jobs that volunteers tackle, with joy and positivity. Recently, at my Maple Syrup Festival, I was fortunate to have two different volunteer groups doing yeomans work to make it happen: the David West Community Volunteer group and the Richmond Hill volunteers.
One volunteer who is a familiar face around town is Marj Andre, Connecting the Community podcast host, OnRichmondHill.com founder, and Richmond Hill community builder.
Thanks Marj for the chance to come on the show and share some information about the recent Richmond Hill trade mission to Hannover Messe. You can listen to the April 14th podcast. Don’t forget to sign up to OnRichmondHill to get the latest updates on activities and events happening in Richmond Hill.
Mark your calendars for Emergency Preparedness Week 2025, taking place from May 4-10 in Richmond Hill, Ontario.
This annual event aims to educate residents on the importance of being ready for unexpected emergencies and disasters. Throughout the week, Richmond Hill Fire & Emergency Services is helping community members develop crucial skills and create effective emergency plans. Emergencies can happen anywhere, but you can be prepared with three simple steps:
1. Know the Risks,
2. Make a Plan, and
3. Get a Kit.
For a complete schedule of events and additional resources, visit RichmondHill.ca/EmergencyPreparedness
Remember, being prepared today can make all the difference tomorrow!
NEWS FROM THE RICHMOND HILL CAMERA CLUB (RHCC)
Are you an avid photographer? Or do you take photos mostly with your smart phone? If you are looking to learn more about new photographic skills or share your love of photography with like-minded individuals, then we can offer you a home in our Richmond Hill Camera Club. We offer regular competitions, judged by accredited judges from the Ontario Council of Camera Clubs (O3C), evaluation groups, field trips, workshops, exciting speakers that are delivered in person or on zoom,and one to one mentoring program for beginning photographers.
Membership cost is $80 for the year. For membership information, kindly scan the attached QR code and it will take you to the RHCC web-site with instructions.
What's On in #myRichmondHill
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:
Watch out for celebrations and memorials of the following Significant Provincial Heritage and Federal Dates:
- Asian Heritage Month
- Canadian Jewish Heritage Month
- Polish Heritage Month
- May 5 – Dutch Heritage Day
- May 17 – International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
- May 24 – Victoria Day
Provincial Dates:
- Armenian Heritage Month
- Asian Heritage Month
- Croatian Heritage Day
- Dutch Heritage Month
- Jewish Heritage Month
- Polish Heritage Month
- South Asian Heritage Month
- May 5 – South Asian Arrival Day
- May 12–18 – Tamil Genocide Education Week
- May 21 – Ontario Flag Day
Thank you for your ongoing engagement as we cultivate an inclusive community.
I know I am more proud than ever before to call myself Canadian, and to be fortunate to live in this mosaic, rather than a melting pot!
Doors Open & Studio Tour
Saturday, May 10
Discover Richmond Hill’s history, culture, and creativity in this one-day event celebrating our City’s hidden gems! Explore unique buildings, heritage sites, and take a self-guided tour of artist studios and galleries. Enjoy live demonstrations, meet local artists, and experience a variety of art forms, from pottery and painting to textiles and photography.
NEW THIS YEAR: Makers’ Marks Contest – Collect stamps at participating locations for a chance to win a prize pack of unique, locally-made items!
More information: RichmondHill.ca/DoorsOpen & RichmondHill.ca/StudioTour
Sunday, May 25, 2025
8:30am to 1:00pm
Join this leisurely 2.8 km stroll through Richmond Hill’s beautiful community of Mill Pond in support of Hill House Hospice.
Registration fee:$25 (age 2-12), $35 (age 13+).Click HERE to register.
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
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
