From the Desk of Mayor David West
June E-Newsletter 2025
Dear Neighbours,
June always feels like it will burst with possibility and potential – gardens are planted, trees are in full leaf, school is wrapping up another year, and the promise of barbeques and ice cream at the park lie ahead. This summer is full of events and activities happening. Make sure you are signed up for OnRichmondHIll.com and City of Richmond Hill newsletters so you don’t miss any of the fun!
In June, we celebrate several dates of significance and I hope to see you at some of the festivities, whether that is the Senior Barbeque or Ice Cream social, visiting an Indigenous Community garden, at the Pride flag raising at City Hall or the CHATS flag in honour of Seniors Month, or at one of our delicious Italian, Portuguese or Filipino restaurants.
This month, I am adding a new regular column to the newsletter focused on practical community safety information.
Finally, please mark your calendars and come out to the June 19th event I am hosting – we will discuss Local Food and the impact we can each make on Sustainability in Our City.
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.
Visit my YouTube page for my latest video on the topic of community safety.
June is Bicycle Safety Month so I would like to kick off this column with a focus onRoad Safety. As the warmer weather entices riders of all ages onto our roads and paths, it is a good time to consider how we can all be active participants in road safety. I encourage you to come out to the Bike Safety Event happening June 7 in partnership with RoadWatch and YRP promoting safe cycling practices, including reminders about bicycle safety rules, helmet usage, and driver awareness.
Considering road safety and vehicular traffic, this graphic shows the number of incidents so far in 2025 as reported by YRP in Richmond Hill. You can also see the year to date trends in green (showing a decrease) or red (showing an increase).
When we look at those same statistics and compare all the municipalities in York Region by population, it is interesting to note that Richmond Hill is in the bottom half of incidents, showing fewer overall incidents per 100,000 than many of our regional neighbours.
This presents the other side of the story – we need to always prioritize safety AND we are doing a good job!
This ‘year to date’ reporting should only improve over time as we implement the Road Safety actions identified in the 10 year Traffic Safety and Operations Strategy. I am happy to see that my Member Motion to give us more proven tools to address traffic safety in our communities has resulted in providing data allowing staff to create targeted, impactful change where it is most needed.
Earlier this year, traffic calming measures, including speed cushions, gateway features, flexible bollards, curb extensions and enhanced pavement markings and signage, were installed at 17 locations across the city which helped reduce speeding in neighborhoods by up to 22% and decrease traffic volume by up to 17%. I have heard from many residents that the flexible bollards were removed, but that was done so that winter road clearing efforts could be completed.
In 2025, in addition to installing more traffic calming measures at the 18 locations (three locations in each ward) the City will also:
- Expand their existing annual pole-mounted radar board program, increasing the number of locations from three per ward to five per ward
- Add 13 new pedestrian crossovers at key locations across the city to assist pedestrians crossing the road (with installation in 2025/2026)
- Reduce speed limits from 50 km/h to 40 km/h at 17 locations across the city
- Pilot a boulevard sign program in each ward
Managing traffic while keeping pedestrians and cyclists safe on City roads is a top priority for Richmond Hill as the City continues to grow and mature. To learn more about the priority locations identified for traffic calming, visit RichmondHill.ca/Traffic.
We all have a role to play in fostering a safe community – find out what steps we as citizens can take, from joining the Security Camera Registry to reporting crime information on the York Region Police website.
Learn more about Road Safety in York Region, all year long.
News from the Office of the Mayor
On June 19 I will host the second evening in the Sustainability Speaker Series to discuss the timely topic of Local Food as many Richmond Hill residents nourish home gardens.
Join the conversation and explore the potential impact that growing food locally can make and what efforts residents can undertake. Come hear from my co-hosts UNU-INWEH, City of Richmond HIll and panelist York Region Food Network from 6-7 as we discuss the questions that YOU have provided.
🗓️ Date: Thursday June 19th, 2025
🕘 Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. light refreshments will be provided. (5-6 p.m. speak with Community groups, 6-7 p.m. panel convenes)
📍 Location: Lexus of Richmond Hill Hall (formerly known as the Plaza Suite), R.H.C.P.A. 10268 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3B7
I look forward to seeing you then – Register today to reserve your seat and submit your questions to join the conversation.
Canadians Coming Together
I recently attended the annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference in Ottawa and without exception, the sentiment was that all levels of government are determined to work for the betterment of Canadians.
The conference theme “Stronger Together” was echoed in the sessions and speeches. Federal leaders stated their commitment to the issues that matter to Canadians, and notably, they were the same topics I have heard Richmond Hill residents list as top concerns, including addressing community safety, affordable housing, and homelessness.
In addition to having many productive meetings, I attended numerous seminars, including one that explored the housing and affordability crisis and the important work that municipalities can do to potentially increase housing stock in their communities.
The political keynote speaker was Prime Minister Carney and he outlined an ambitious plan.
This conference confirmed that across the country, we are facing similar challenges.
As Mayor, I look forward to working with the Richmond Hill Federal representatives, MPCostas Menegakis and MPVincent Ho, as they are the voice of Richmond Hill residents in national conversations.
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
National Indigenous History Month
News from Council
Indigenous Medicine Gardens Take Root in Richmond Hill
This June, as part of National Indigenous History Month, Richmond Hill celebrates Indigenous culture with Gitigaan Mashkiki, a collaboration with Miskwaadesi Studio to plant medicine gardens citywide.
Prairie Sage (Mashkodewashk) and Sweetgrass (Wiingashk) are the focus of this year’s gardens—two medicines with strong cultural and spiritual meaning in Anishinaabe traditions. These plants also play an important role in supporting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other species essential to local ecosystems.
The gardens are intended to serve as living classrooms and cultural gathering spaces. Harvests will be gathered respectfully and shared to help make Indigenous medicine more accessible locally.
More Indigenous medicines will be added this fall, continuing to expand these spaces for healing, learning, and community care.
Gitigaan Mashkiki Garden locations:
- Central Library, Richmond Hill Public Library – Red canoe garden planted in the greenspace on the east side of the building
- Richmond Green Children’s Garden – Planted within the children’s garden area
- Oak Ridges Community Centre – Green canoe garden located on the west side of the building
- Hill House Hospice – A quiet healing garden created for patients and their families
- Robert Holland Interpretive Centre, Phyllis Rawlinson Park – Coming soon
To learn more about Gitigaan Mashkiki and the work of Miskwaadesi Studio, visit www.miskwaadesi.com
This month, during National Indigenous History Month, let’s take the opportunity to learn more about the original peoples of the land we now know and love as Richmond Hill.
I am excited to welcome the MINWAA NIINWIND DABAADJIMOWNAN: OUR STORY CONTINUES First Nation Art Exhibit to the Richmond HIll Centre for Performing Arts and look forward to acknowledging Indigenous Peoples Day on Saturday, June 21st.
News from Council
Enjoy a 55+ Spring Choir Concert McConaghy Centre
Sunday June 8, 2025.
2 – 5 p.m.
Fee is $5, using registration code: 122396
June 9 at 10 a.m. the City of Richmond HIll will raise the CHATS flag in honour of Seniors Month.
All are welcome.
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
City of Richmond HIll Communications Services is undertaking a comprehensive website redesign to improve user experience, accessibility, and service delivery for our community.
Richmond Hill Website Survey
Community Events and News
York Region Wants to Hear from You!
York Region is refreshing their Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan—and your voice matters. Your input will help shape future programs and services that support safer, more connected, and inclusive communities across the Region. The survey takes just 3–5 minutes to complete.
Survey Link:https://forms.office.com/r/dzjgLXEFtS
Learn more: york.ca/communityaction
Questions? Email: Co*************@**rk.ca
Every voice counts, and every response makes a difference.
Summer activities for a healthy and climate-ready Richmond Hill!
The following places and activities moderate the negative impacts of climate change by enhancing biodiversity, local food security and flood management in our community.
Elgin Mills Greenway is a perfect summer getaway spot!
The Greenway is a restored urban forest that supports wildlife, habitats and stormwater management in Richmond Hill. Beautiful trails and a playground on site make it perfect for a family outing. Enjoy this gem of beauty this summer!
Collective gardens on public land can be your next summer project!
Collective gardens can be as small as a raised planter outside of a community centre or as large as a community vegetable garden in a park. To inquire or apply, click here.
Rain gardens add beauty and life!
You can help reduce stormwater and pollutants entering our waterways by creating a rain garden on your own property. A rain garden absorbs and filters as much as 30% more stormwater than a patch of lawn, while supporting birds and pollinators!
We all have a role to play in reducing our emissions and becoming resilient!
National Volunteer Week
Fireworks Safety in Richmond Hill
What You Need to Know
As summer holidays approach, Richmond Hill residents should be aware of the city’s fireworks regulations. Consumer fireworks are permitted on Victoria Day, Canada Day, and the days immediately before and after these holidays. Outside these dates, a permit is required for private displays.
The fire service strongly recommends attending professional displays instead of hosting your own due to the risks involved. If you choose to use fireworks, purchase only from authorized vendors displaying a permit from Richmond Hill’s Fire and Emergency Services.
Remember, fireworks can cause fires, injuries, and even fatalities – so safety is paramount. Always follow safety guidelines and consider alternatives to ensure a safe celebration. Children should never handle fireworks, and a responsible adult should supervise all fireworks activities. For complete information on permits, safety tips, and regulations, visit RichmondHill.ca/Fireworks
Pride Season
Love is Love in Richmond Hill
Join the Official Pride Flag Raising on June 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Richmond Hill City Hall
Rainbow Collections and LGBTQ+ Resources
Celebrate pride at the Richmond Hill Public Library with special events, curated collections, and more!
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:
June
- National Indigenous History Month
- Italian Heritage Month
- Filipino Heritage Month
- Portuguese Heritage Month
- Launch of Pride Season
- National Indigenous Peoples Day June 21
- National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism June 23
- Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day June 24
- Canadian Multiculturalism Day June 27
Provincial Dates:
- Filipino Heritage Month
- Italian Heritage Month
- Portuguese History and Heritage Month
- Ontario Day – June 1
- Portugal Day – June 10
- United Empire Loyalists’ Day – June 19
- Somali Heritage Week – June 25–July 1
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!
Enjoy a a genre-spanning Gala Concert that celebrates the incredible diversity and power of the human voice.
Friday, June 20, 2025 – 7:30pm
Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts
York Region
Curbside Giveway
June 21st, 2025.
7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Richmond Hill May Events
Here are a few of the events I was privileged to participate in lately, on behalf of the City of Richmond Hill
and always, speaking with Richmond Hill residents every chance I get – I am here for you and I am listening.
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
