From the Desk of Mayor David West
December Newsletter 2025
Dear Neighbours,
December brings short but busy days and as we prepare for holidays and school breaks, I hope that you are able to make time to enjoy the many events and celebrations happening around the city.
Whether you recognize Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Yalda or the Winter Solstice this is the time to gather with loved ones, to share a joyful moment or meal, and to take advantage of the wide range of events happening in Richmond Hill and York Region.
From my family to yours, I extend my warmest wishes for the holidays.
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 month I want to highlight safety tips from York Regional Police for the holiday season. In the month of December, sunset get earlier and sunrise comes later, so it is important to be reminded of neighbourhood safety.
Crime Prevention during the Holiday Season
With the extended hours of darkness in December and extra valuables in the house for the holiday season, it’s important to be vigilant about the security of your property.
Here are 6 tips from York Regional Police to deter criminals from targeting your home:
- Use technology: Install security cameras and put indoor and outdoor lights on timers
- Put away ladders, cut back trees, shrubs and anything blocking the view of entrances
- Close, lock and secure all doors and windows
- Don’t make it obvious: Store valuables somewhere unexpected
- Know your neighbours and have them keep an eye on your home if you’re away
- Register on the York Regional Police Security Camera Registry
**Remember, these six steps are just as important for the rear entrance of your home as they are for the front door.
Operation Autoguard 3.0 is underway and that means YRP will be supporting crime prevention in a number of ways, including having officers fan out across neighbourhoods prone to vehicle theft, and providing important prevention messaging in York Region’s most popular languages, including English, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, Farsi and Russian.
York Regional Police will also post important safety messages and updates about ongoing auto theft campaign and enforcement efforts to their social media accounts using #YRPAutoGuard. Be sure to follow and subscribe today.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhood. Look out for your neighbours because Community Safety is a Shared Responsibilty.
News from the
Office of the Mayor
In November, I presented the City of Richmond Hill budget. Our budget is more than about numbers on a page, it’s about the services you rely on every day, the infrastructure that keeps our city moving and the investments we’re making to build a stronger, more connected community. It is an investment in what we value, as a community, and I say “we” because the City’s Budget is Your Budget.
It reflects all our values and priorities and ensures Richmond Hill remains vibrant, resilient and welcoming for generations to come. We created this budget with you in mind because Richmond Hill is your home and ours. I am very grateful to the City staff for their tremendous effort and to Regional & Local Councillor Joe DiPaola for his work as Chair of the Budget Committee of the Whole.
Solving Canada’s housing crisis requires immediate action to bring down costs, cut red tape, and build homes more quickly because too many Canadians continue to struggle to find homes they can afford.
Recently, on National Housing Day, I was happy to join Jennifer McKelvie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Member of Parliament for Ajax at a Federal funding announcement
Through the “Build Canada Homes” which will help increase the pace of affordable homebuilding to increase housing supply,
- Build Canada Homes will also help fight homelessness by building transitional and supportive housing — working with provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous communities.
- It will build deeply affordable and community housing for low-income households, and partner with private market developers to build affordable homes for the Canadian middle class.
- In November, Build Canada Homes launched their Investment Policy Framework marking a major step forward in how the Government of Canada invests in affordable housing.
As part of the Government of Canada’s broader efforts to respond to the housing crisis, work is being done across the housing continuum to respond to the needs of communities across Canada.
One of those initiatives is the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) which provides funding through low-interest and/or forgivable loans or contributions to partnered organizations for new affordable housing and the renovation and repair of existing, affordable and community housing.
I am pleased to share that the federal government is investing over $32 million in funding to help build 90 secure, rental homes in Richmond Hill.
St. Marks Apartments, located at 286 Major Mackenzie Drive East, developed by Richmond Hill Ecumenical Homes Corporation (RHEHC) and has been a longstanding provider of non-market housing in Richmond Hill. The property is conveniently located close to grocery stores, pharmacies, schools, parks, medical offices, and major transit routes, offering quick access to YRT/Viva bus lines and the Richmond Hill GO station.
Congratulations to Tania Pouzeshvaran, winner of the William F. Bell 2025 Young Entrepreneur Award.
Tania’s business, “Protein Pastry” was one of the 12 companies to receive Richmond Hill Summer Company grants. Tania launched her low-calorie baked goods business and demonstrated incredible resilience and entrepreneurial drive.
Read more about all of the Summer Company students: RichmondHill.ca/SummerCompany
Applications for the 2026 Summer Company program are due by May 15
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
Merry Marketplace and Winter Lights are Back!
There are two more Merry Marketplace events happening:
December 13: Gingerbread House
What a fantastic chance to multi-task by finishing your shopping, getting a picture with Santa, and spending fantastic family time with loved ones!
The Winter Lights display of thousands of twinkling lights throughout Richmond Green Park is on daily until 10 p.m. creating the perfect backdrop for your seasonal selfies.
City of Richmond Hill staff are also collecting non-perishable food at the Information Booth (located near the entrance) in support of the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank. When dropping off your food donation, be sure to fill out a ballot for your chance to win a prize pack. *1 entry per donation, per week * One winner will be selected after December 13.
While you are in the area, be sure to visit The Artists Co-op of Richmond Hill in the historic Boynton House at Richmond Green. Now celebrating their 4th year of this Festive Pop-up Gallery & Gift Shop, this is a wonderful opportunity to shop local, support Richmond Hill artists, and find unique gifts. I highly recommend their extended workshops in polymer clay, glass fusing, basketry, precious metal clay, and felting. For more information about workshops and the artists onsite, visit www.artistscooprh.ca
Make the holidays brighter –
join Richmond Hill’s holiday donation drive
Drop off donations Dec 1-15 and help bring joy to families in need
Richmond Hill’s Holiday Donation Drive is back and we need your help to spread warmth and joy to those in need in our community. From December 1-15, you can make a real difference by dropping off non-perishable food items, new toys and gift cards to Richmond Hill Fire Stations and select recreation facilities. Every contribution helps families and individuals celebrate the holidays with hope and happiness.
For more information, including a full donation guide and drop-off locations, visit RichmondHill.ca/DonationDrive.
Manage Your Property Tax…Anytime, Anywhere.
Coming soon in 2026, you can easily and securely manage your tax on our Property Tax Customer Portal. Pay online, arrange payments, sign up for e-billing, update property and account info, order documents like tax bills, certificates and receipts, and much more – all in one place! Save time and stay on top of your property tax. Go to RichmondHill.ca/PropertyTax and click on “Receive Email Updates” to be the first to know when the portal is launched.
Have a City water billing account and haven’t signed up to our Water Customer Portal yet? Sign up now at WaterBill.RichmondHill.ca to conveniently manage your water bills.
York Region Transit (YRT) service changes will take effect on Sunday, December 21, 2025, and Sunday, January 4, 2026.
Effective December 21, 2025, holiday schedule adjustments will be made to various routes, including:
- Suspension of High School Special routes during the two-week holiday closure
- Additional service to Vaughan Mills Mall and Canada’s Wonderland via Routes 320 and 360
- Ride for free on New Year’s Eve after 7 p.m. and extended late night service on select routes
- For more information visit yrt.ca/ServiceChanges (information will be available online December 1)
For general inquiries, please contact the YRT Contact Centre at 1-866-668-3978 or via email at tr*********@**rk.ca.
Community Events and News
Don’t miss the fantastic programs happening at the DDO this month. In addition to the popular “Holidays at the DDO”, there are two other events planned:
- December 13, 2025 – Astronomy Family Night (AFN)
- December 19, 2025 – Up in the Sky
(at the time of writing, there was space available for both but don’t delay, because participation is limited.)
Thank you very much for considering adding a DDO event to your December schedule – you won’t regret it!
SMALL TREASURES GALLERY SHOW & SALE
Richmond Hill Group of Artists at The Mill Pond Galler
December 6 & 7 and December 13 & 14
The Richmond Hill Group of Artists’ Annual SMALL TREASURES Art Show and Sale opened Saturday, November 29!
A beautiful variety of original artwork, in many mediums, styles and themes are available. Smaller sizes and smaller prices, perfect for the gift-giving season. Come in to find that perfect gift for yourself, or for someone special. Over 150 pieces of artwork to choose from!
The Mill Pond Gallery, located in the heart of historic Richmond Hill, across from the beautiful Mill Pond Park, is home to the Richmond Hill Group of Artists. Shows are changed regularly, showcasing the work of individuals or a small group of artists. Our talented members’ work includes a wide range of mediums, styles and themes.
Free parking and no admission fee. All are welcome!
Deck the Halls Safely: Your Guide to Holiday Fire Prevention
As we embrace the festive season that’s approaching quickly, let’s prioritize fire safety to ensure a joyous and secure celebration.
Remember these key tips:
· Keep your Christmas tree well-watered and away from heat sources
· Inspect holiday lights for frayed wires before use
· Never leave candles unattended and keep them away from flammable decorations
· Ensure your smoke alarms are working properly
· Be cautious with space heaters and keep them clear of curtains and furniture
· Practice safe cooking habits, especially when preparing holiday feasts
Don’t miss Richmond Hill Fire & Emergency Services’ special ‘12 Days of Holiday Safety’ campaign from December 12-24! We’ll be sharing daily tips and reminders to keep your holidays merry, bright, and most importantly, safe.
By following these precautions, you can enjoy peace of mind while reveling in the warmth of the season. Happy holidays, and stay safe! For more information visit RichmondHill.ca/Fire
Participate in the Climate Ready Homes Program!
Did you know that the City of Richmond Hill Home Efficiency target is that by 2050 80% of buildings are retrofit for energy efficiency, and switch to electric heat pumps and electric water heating. This goal presents an opportunity for residents to get involved and be a part of the action plan to get there with the support of programs like the Climate Ready Homes.
This program, which is led by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), offers FREE home consultation to residents who live in detached or semi-detached home or townhome. The consultation can provide personalized information about actions you can take to
- Save money
- Improve home comfort
- Increase home’s climate resilience
- Support for energy-efficient upgrades, flood protection, eco-friendly landscaping, and emergency preparedness
There are also limited FREE incentive options: (first come, first served and while supplies last) including:
- Rain barrels
- Trees or shrubs
- DIY air-sealing kits
- Basement flood alarms
- Emergency preparedness kits
Richmond Hill has a Climate Plan – you have a role to play in it!
December Dates of Significance
Watch out for celebrations and memorials of the following Significant Heritage Dates-
Federally, there are numerous dates of significance in November:
December
- December 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities
- December 6 National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
- December 10 Human Rights Day
- December 11 Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster
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:
Richmond Hill November 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