From the Desk of Mayor David West
January 2026
Dear Neighbours,
Happy New Year! I hope that the year ahead is a good one for you – may you have health, happiness, peace, and love.
As we end 2025 and begin a new year, I am energized to continue to work hard for all the residents who call this fantastic city home. I have shared my reflections of the past year in this edition, we well as Community Safety highlights from the month of December.
Moving into 2026, the City of Richmond Hill has a lot to offer. You can read about some of them below, and sign up for the City newsletters to stay up to date.
I look forward to seeing you around the city!
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 regular column added to my monthly e-newsletter offering insights from my close working relationship with the York Region Police District 2.
Investments in Safety = Results!
There were several media releases issued by YRP in December that I wanted to draw your attention to because they reflect the improved safety of our our community, thanks in no small part to the investments we are making as a Region in the police force.
A joint forces operation dubbed ‘Project Wrangler’ resulted in over 150 charges laid and 13 arrests of a crime group responsible for thefts and assaults across York Region and beyond
YRP shared the results of Operation Auto Guard 3.0, their campaign aimed at combatting auto theft in the south end of York Region.
“The operation, along with other initiatives designed to stop auto theft in York Region have had a significant impact. As of November 31, there have been 1,635 vehicles reported stolen in York Region, a drop from 2,363 recorded during the same period of 2024. This marks a 35 per cent drop year over year.”
By using a multi-pronged approach which included enforcement, community engagement and crime prevention strategies and analyzing the data available, “hot-spots” for thefts were identified.
“… a total of 73 stolen vehicles were recovered. The estimated value of the vehicles seized is $5 million. Forty-eight people, including one youth, have been arrested, and 242 charges have been laid. Several of the adult suspects were found to be breaching probation or some form of release order at the time of their arrest.”
As your Mayor, I have worked hard to advocate for Richmond Hill residents on the topic of Community Safety with all levels of government. When the magnitude of the auto theft crisis was first realized, I was the only local Mayor who took the time to attend the National Summit on Combating Auto Theft in Ottawa and raise strong concerns on behalf of Richmond Hill residents to the Federal & Provincial representatives, insurance brokers, and auto manufacturers in attendance.
I am proud to see that advocacy achieving results. Most recently, the outcome of this work was reflected in changes to the bail and justice system, which I have been vocal in requesting to make sure that criminals stay behind bars. This Fall, the Federal government shared the proposed “Bail and Strengthening Reform Act“.
I will continue to relentlessly call for the changes that Richmond Hill residents deserve. Although this work is often unseen, representing constituents is certainly one of the most important jobs a Mayor has, and when I see results like these, I know my effort is hitting the mark, making a safer community for us all. The most impactful tool I have to tackle crime and safety continues to be advocacy.
As we start a new year, it is a good time to re-examine our own role in the safety of our household and our community. The York Regional Police say “Community Safety is a Shared Responsibility” and they offer residents many supportive and educational tools and programs.
To learn more, visit YRP.ca
Stay informed: Sign up for the YRP Newsletter today
News from the
Office of the Mayor
Reflections of 2025
Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I like to set goals, if not resolutions, and to do that, I reflect on the year that has past. Here are some of my highlights from 2025 – what were your Richmond HIll highlights?
2025 Reflections: Housing and Affordability –
2025 brought so many changes for Canadians as we adapted to the evolving economic impacts of tariffs with our largest trading partner, while continuing to address the housing and affordability crisis that is ongoing in our country. Here in Richmond Hill, I continue to be so impressed by the organizations and individuals who are working everyday to support affordability, like the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank, York Region Food Network, and our countless community gardeners who donate from their garden plots.
It was exciting to attend not one but three announcements related to housing for seniors this year, which will provide over 1100 housing options when complete.Progress is being made on the housing projects we have announced but more work will be needed and I will commit to doing that work. I have advocated relentlessly this year for support from other levels of government and for a more equitable funding model for municipalities like ours as it relates to housing, and I will continue to do so in 2026.
2025 Reflections: Youth Engagement –
The interest and engagement shown by our Richmond Hill youth was inspiring!
In 2025, we saw students participate in many acts of community service, diverse school programs, and countless volunteer efforts.
Thank you to all the youth who choose to actively engage in the Richmond Hill community – your contributions make a tremendous difference to the vibrancy of our city.
2025 Reflections Crime and Safety –
I was proud to choose to vote for Safety in our Community through investment in the York Regional Police at YR Council. These budget increases translate into officers in the community and on the streets, and crime deterring programs that are working to remove criminal syndicates responsible for the auto theft in Richmond Hill, like AutoGuard 3.0. With the YRP investments and relentless advocacy for criminal justice changes, progress is being made but more work needs to be done and I will continue to advocate on behalf of our city.
2025 Reflections: Arts and Culture in Richmond Hill –
Celebrating individual artists, artistic organizations, festivals, and creative spaces – 2025 was another banner year in Richmond Hill.
The Community and Cultural Grant program shared a record number of gifts, supporting more artistic efforts than ever. Reinstating this program was one of my first motions this term and I continue to stand by this. Communities need more than roads and buildings, we need heart and soul, reasons to gather and spaces to create. With the opening of the reimaged Cultural Centre and the progress on the Dave Barrow Square, my motions in 2025 are moving us in the right direction. I can’t wait to see what we achieve together in 2026!
2025 Reflections: Businesses choosing Richmond Hill –
Wow! 2025 was a remarkable year for growth in our Richmond Hill business community. The number of new businesses that chose our city was fantastic. Thanks to the Richmond Hill Board of Trade and Business Improvement Association for their continued support of local entrepreneurs.
It was important to me that our business community be supported when the US tariffs were introduced this year, and I was glad to table my Made in Canada motion to encourage residents to shop and support local businesses.
I also took an active role in promoting our city at the largest international technology tradeshow, Hannover Messe, as a ideal location for international firms to establish themselves or expand to and I look forward to continuing that work in 2026.
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.
City of Richmond Hill News
January in Ontario means one thing – snow, snow, snow!
Please take a moment to visit the City of Richmond Hill website that outlines important information for residents getting around this winter – tools like “Find my Plow”, Winter Maintenance activity updates, and the very important “Winter Event” announcement are all conveniently grouped in this one location. I highly recommend that you Subscribe to receive important notifications directly in your inbox – you can do this by choosing “receive email updates” at the bottom of the City Snow Clearing page.
If you have a snow removal related concern, the City of Richmond Hill is happy to help –
Call or email Access Richmond Hill at 905-771-8800 or Ac*****************@**********ll.ca
This month, the City of Richmond Hill Blue Box transition takes place. what does this mean for Richmond HIll residents?
SAME BINS, SAME SCHEDULE, new customer service contact and pick up trucks.
The important details of this transition for residents are:
- New customer service contact: All blue box related inquiries, including missed collections and requests for new blue boxes must be made directly to Miller Waste, instead of to the City. You can contact them after January 1 at 1-855-752-3762 or ar****@*********te.ca.
- Separate trucks for recycling/organics: Blue boxes and green bins will be collected by separate trucks instead of being co-collected on the same truck. Your collection day stays the same, but collection times will vary.
- The City will no longer sell or exchange blue boxes: You can contact Miller Waste for a new blue box or buy a 22-gallon blue box from local retailers such as Home Depot, Canadian Tire or Rona.
- You can recycle more materials: New items include hot and cold takeout cups and lids, plastic bags, foam packaging, black plastic containers, deodorant sticks and toothpaste tubes. Visit CircularMaterials.ca/RichmondHill for details.
Community Events and News
Happy New Year from Richmond Hill Fire & Emergency Services!
This is your reminder that the fire code has changed to tackle carbon monoxide (CO) deaths. CO is an invisible, odourless gas that poses a significant threat, with more than 80% of CO-related injuries and deaths occurring in homes.
To safeguard your family:
· Install CO alarms outside all sleeping areas
· Test alarms monthly and replace batteries annually
· Have fuel-burning appliances inspected by certified technicians yearly
· Keep vents and chimneys clear of snow and debris
Remember, CO poisoning can mimic flu symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea. If your alarm sounds, evacuate immediately and call 9-1-1 from outside.
Big News: Ontario Fire Code Is Changing – starting January 1, 2026, CO alarms will be required on every storey of most homes, not just near sleeping areas. This update reflects the growing need for whole-home protection.
Stay vigilant and protect your loved ones from this invisible hazard. For more information about CO safety, visit RichmondHill.ca/CarbonMonoxideAwareness.
Climate Action and Heat Pumps: A Local Success Story
A Richmond Hill resident has installed a heat pump to heat and cool her 70+ year-old bungalow and witnessed the following results:
REDUCED overall utilities cost! (2024-2025)
- Approx. $802 (incl. HST) annual usage-driven gas bill reduction
- Approx. $631 (incl. HST) annual usage-driven electricity bill increase
- Approx. $171 net usage-driven utilities bill reduction
REDUCED carbon dioxide emission! (2024-2025)
- 6.72 metric tons of net carbon dioxide emission reduction
- That’s equivalent to 6954 pounds of coal burned or 506,909 numbers of smartphones charged.
Click to view the case study with key takeaways and data analysis.
Explore the following government incentives to make your home more energy-efficient:
Energy Affordability Program ~ Home Winterproofing Program ~ Home Renovation Savings Program
Making our buildings more energy-efficient is the 2nd target of a low carbon Richmond Hill!
Richmond Hill has a Climate Plan – you have a role to play in it!
Join the movement!
January Dates of Significance
Watch out for celebrations and memorials of the following Significant Heritage Dates.
Tamil Heritage Month, recognized Federally and Provincially
January 8 – National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters
January 11 – Sir John A. Macdonald Day
January 17 – Raoul Wallenberg Day
January 21 – Lincoln Alexander Day, recognized Federally and Provincially
January 24 – World Day for African and Afro Descendant Culture
January 27 – International Holocaust Remembrance Day
January 29 – National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia
Thank you for your ongoing engagement as we cultivate an inclusive community.
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:
The City of Richmond HIll website is a great source of ideas for winter fun. From the Main page at www.richmondhill.ca, you can find the “What’s Trending” button and this connects you to the most visited pages.
Feel like skating? There is a new outdoor skate trail open in the city! Now you can safely skate outside at either Richmond Green Skate trail or the newly opened Bayview Hills Skating Rink. Please always check the website before you go and never skate on a pond or stormwater pond. The City of Richmond HIll will monitor Mill Pond and Lake Wilcox and advise when it is safety to skate on these natural bodies of water.
You can visit “Anne in Costume” and explore the costume designs of Anne of Green Gables,, in celebration of Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery.
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****@**********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