From the Desk of Mayor David West
September E-Newsletter 2025
Dear Neighbours,
September marks the return to routine for many families. This newsletter, I am sharing Safety on the Streets suggestions for everyone who finds themselves back to a regular commute. Whether traveling to the office or to school, I want all Richmond Hill residents to feel safe on our roadways.
August was a very busy month in municipal government. I was happy with the outcomes of my advocacy at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario – It has been a priority for me to ensure Richmond Hill has an elevated voice at the decision making table and I commit to continuing to working hard so that the needs of our residents are heard at the Provincial and Federal level. The evidence that we are being heard was shown in the Provincial government’s investment announcements last month. Read on for the details.
I look forward to seeing you soon,
Mayor David West
City of Richmond Hill
Community Safety
I want Richmond Hill residents to know that I hear your concerns about safety in our city. As your Mayor, I am listening and working to do all I can to ensure our city is a safe one.
This is a new, regular column that I am adding to my monthly e-newsletter to share information with Richmond Hill residents. I will offer insights from my close working relationship with the York Region Police District 2. ‘Community Safety’ is very broad, so I will focus on one topic each month.
This month as students head back to school, I am focusing on Safety on our Streets. Let’s talk about Road Safety, Year-to-Date Road Crime statistics, and how to support reduced Auto Thefts.
Back to School – Safety on our Streets
Operation ABC – Always Be Careful
As students head back to the classroom, York Regional Police reminds parents, teachers, motorists and children to be extra cautious. Parents and teachers must ensure that children know the proper safety rules in order to keep York Region’s school zones safe for everyone. Here are some quick reminders:
Drivers:
- Reduce speed
- Be ready to stop at all times
- Wait for children to reach the sidewalk before proceeding
- Obey crossing guards
- Remember that children expect you to stop
- Stop for school buses
Parents and children:
- Walk on available sidewalks – never on the road
- Always cross at an intersection or crosswalk
- Obey crossing guards
- Turn off or mute any device that impairs your hearing, like an iPod or MP3 player
- Do not text or play handheld video games while crossing the road
- Look and listen for traffic in all directions
Visit YRP for more suggestions on keeping School Safety.
Road safety is a top priority for the City of Richmond Hill, York Region, AND York Region Police.
I continue to be proud of my member motion calling for data-driven approach to address speeding and safety on our streets, which resulted in the Traffic Safety and Operations Strategy (TSOS). The research behind this strategy has given City staff the ability to plan with factual data backing their actions and really identifying the areas of our city that need urgent safety measures to protect road users so the tools are appropriately used to increase road safety.
Visit the City of Richmond Hill “Traffic” website to learn more about the efforts that are underway as a result of the TSOS.
- an 80% reduction in speeding in locations with an ASE device.
- excessive speeding (driving 20 kilometres per hour or more over the limit) reduction of 87%.
- more than doubling of the average compliance with the posted speed limit
- operating speeds reduced by nine kilometres per hour.
Community safety in Richmond Hill is a Shared Responsibility. Stay informed: Sign up for the YRP Newsletter today.
News from the
Office of the Mayor
In August, I had the opportunity to represent Richmond Hill at the Association of Municipalities annual conference and to advocate for our city with Provincial Ministers.
I had a great meeting with Minister Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Brian Saunderson Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing to discuss incentives for municipalities like Richmond Hill to get housing and affordable housing built. During AMO, Premier Ford announced an additional $1.6 billion for the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, providing a needed boost in funding for core infrastructure projects, like roads and water systems.
I also had a very positive meeting with Health Minister Sylvia Jones and Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Vijay Thanigasalam to ensure Richmond Hill gets the healthcare support our growing city needs, and we also discussed the current expansion campaign of the Hill House Hospice. Read on for more exciting news about Hill House Hospice.
It is always a pleasure to meet with local Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill MPP, Minister Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services of Ontario and we were joined by Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social & Economic Opportunity, to explore further support for victims of intimate partner violence. Here in Richmond Hill we are fortunate to have several not for profit organizations that provide services and support to those escaping domestic violence. I stand firmly behind my 2023 Member Motion which called on the provincial government to recognize Gender-Based and Intimate Partner Violence as an epidemic and I believe that this advocacy has been instrumental in the action and attention that is now being given to this critical issue.
As the Treasurer, I joined the Ontario Big City Mayors (OBCM) Executive as we kicked off the conference with a joint OBCM-Mayors & Regional Chairs Caucus Meeting. There were wide ranging topics on the agenda, spanning from housing & financial sustainability for cities, to partnerships at all levels of government and safety for elected officials. The following 5 motions were approved unanimously:
- Addressing bad faith renovictions
- Necessary reforms to improve paramedic safety
- Ensuring sustainable funding for municipal police services
- Advancing the “Elect Respect” campaign to restore civility in public service
- Requesting that the federal government reverse the recent changes to ensure municipalities can continue providing shelter supports to refugee claimant arrivals
In August, we welcomed the Provincial government for several important announcements.
It was an honour to join the groundbreaking for Schlegel Village, Westbrook Lane, which will evolve to become a Seniors Campus of Care, with a Seniors Community Hub, to provide the full continuum of housing options for Seniors. This first phase will result in a 240 bed Long-Term Care home will be located at 11300 Yonge St (just south of the Coptic Church).
An interesting aspect of this development is that Schlegel Villages has partnered with Seneca College to operate a Living Classroom with the intention to support post secondary education of various health care related disciplines. The Living Classroom will open shortly after the completion of the Long Term Care home. This partnership will provide the first college courses being offered in Richmond Hill. This development is investing in Richmond Hill, offering housing options for many stages of life, as well as employment and educational opportunities and we are happy they have chosen Richmond Hill.
The second announcement was for three new beds to created at Hill House Hospice. For 27 years, Hill House Hospice (HHH) has provided compassionate, high-quality palliative care to our community. The impact of their work has been profound, and there is no doubt that expanding their capacity is the right step forward for Richmond Hill families. I have been a strong advocate for the current expansion plans at HHH and it was wonderful to see a positive outcome, offering more local options for dignified end-of-life care.
Being able to stay close to home—surrounded by loved ones and the familiarity of community—is a comfort that few cities can offer. Richmond Hill is fortunate to be able to offer this palliative care option.
Together with the Ministry of Long Term Care, we celebrated the ground-breaking of the Carefirst Campus of Care Ground Breaking Ceremony. This is another development that is very consciously planning services for all ages, with medical facilities for youth and families, cultural enrichment programming, community resources, and housing for seniors.
August 1 Emancipation Day in Richmond Hill
On August 1 we gathered to recognize and celebrate Emancipation Day.
At City Hall we raised the Pan-African Flag in the morning with the community and Council, led by York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (YRAACC).
Then in the afternoon there was a wonderful celebration at the Richmond Hill Central Library where artists, youth voices, and community leaders shared their perspectives on the importance of this date.
I continue to be very grateful to the leadership at the YRAACC for the many engaging and educational opportunities they have organized across York Region.
Last February, it was my privilege to support their efforts to bring the Black History Month event to our city and I am delighted to share that we will be honoured to host them again in 2026. Mark your calendars for February 14, 2026 and watch for details as the date comes closer.
Nothing makes me happier than seeing our community active and participating. Together, all your individual and group efforts really contribute to making this city the vibrant, interesting, and diverse place that it is.
Thank you to all the volunteers who give their time to make the magic happen.
Truth and Reconciliation Day
I look forward to joining community and City of Richmond Hill staff as we raise the Every Child Matters flag in recognition of Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 29th at 9 a.m. at City Hall, 225 East Beaver Creek Road, Richmond Hill.
Chi Miigwetch to and Sarah Loretta Schuster and Miskwaadesi Studio, for the successful season of Medicine Gardens in Richmond Hill.
This labour of love has offered a lot of education and conversation. You can learn more about the gardens and their importance in this CBC interview.
Now it is time to Honour the Harvest. Register today to join the September 27th gathering at the Richmond Hill Public Library, Central Branch.
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.
After the July 9 Council Meeting, Richmond Hill Council will pause meetings for a summer break, as is the practice of Municipal, Provincial, and Federal Councils and the regular meeting schedule will resume on September 3rd.
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.
City of Richmond Hill News
Mark your calendar for the annual ArtWalk – a free, one-day indoor and outdoor artist and artisan marketplace at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts
- Sunday, September 21, 2025
- 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Indoors and Outdoors – Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, 10268 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3B7
Come out to shop and explore original works from dozens of local artists and artisans and support our local artisan community. Every purchase supports the maker directly, with 100% of sales going to the artist. Payment methods vary by vendor, so come prepared with cash, debit, and credit.
With live music and free activities such as henna, live portrait drawings, and face painting, it promises to be a fantastic day.
In addition to this one-day arts and artisan marketplace, participating artists will also be featured in the Richmond Hill Visual Art Gallery, located in the main lobby of the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts during the month of September.
Community Events and News
Celebrating Welcoming Week across York Region
Welcoming Week is an annual opportunity to recognize and celebrate the people, places and values that help everyone feel welcome in York Region. This year’s celebration will take place from September 12 to 21, 2025. Learn more about the events happening across the region in this celebration of the many contributions that newcomers contribute to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of our community.
Clean Transportation and Road Safety
As Richmond Hill embraces cleaner transportation options like e-scooters and e-bikes, safety remains our top priority. Following the rules protects everyone on our streets, sidewalks, and trails. So let’s take actions together to build a greener and safer Richmond Hill!
Did you know?
● There were at least 2 deaths and 2 injuries involving e-scooter riders in the GTA during July alone?
● E-scooters are not permitted on municipal roads or trails in Richmond Hill?
● The maximum speed allowed for e-scooters is 24 km/h on level ground?
● The minimum age to operate any type of electric vehicle is 16?
Our Transportation Targets are:
• Majority of trips within the city are done by transit, walking, and cycling.
• 100% of new vehicle sales are EVs by 2040.
Good information to know before you ride:
Explore on foot: Parks Trails and Facilities Map
Richmond Hill has a Climate Plan – you have a role to play in it!
Test Your Smoke Alarm Day is September 28 –
Take a Minute, Save a Life
Mark your calendar! September 28th is Test Your Smoke Alarm Day in Ontario—a quick reminder to check that your alarms are working and ready to protect you.
Here’s how to participate:
· Test monthly: Press and hold the test button until you hear the beep.
· Change the batteries yearly: Even if it still works, replace the batteries at least twice a year.
· Replace alarms every 10 years: Check the date on the back—if it’s older than 10 years, it’s time for a new one.
· Spread the word: Remind friends and family, and share the message on social media with #SavedByTheBeep!
It only takes a moment—but it could save your life.
NEWS FROM THE RICHMOND HILL CAMERA CLUB (RHCC)
Our Club’s 2025-26 year will start in early September. 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.
The Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts is proud to welcome The Filharmonic, the all-male a cappella group featured in Pitch Perfect 2, for a high-energy, family-friendly performance.
Known for their incredible vocals, beatboxing, and fun stage presence, The Filharmonic offers a must-see show for music, theatre, and pop culture fans of all ages.
🎟️ Don’t miss this one-night-only event!
📅 Oct. 18
📍 Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts
This is a great night out for families, music lovers, and anyone who enjoys a good harmony!
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 Heritage Dates:
Federal Dates:
- Second week of September Mennonite Heritage Week
- Fourth week of September Gender Equality Week
- September 28 British Home Child Day
- September 30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Provincial Dates:
- September 7 Ukrainian Heritage Day
- September 11 Provincial Day of Service
- September 25 Franco-Ontarian Day
Thank you for your ongoing engagement as we cultivate an inclusive community.
Final 2025 York Region Curbside Giveaway
Saturday September 27th, 2025. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Richmond Hill August 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