From the Desk of Mayor David West
February 2026
Dear Neighbours,
It is February and in Richmond Hill, that can only mean one thing – Winter Carnival is here! Bundle up and join the 57th Annual Winter Carnival. Mother Nature has really given us a tough winter so far, but the silver lining is that the 2026 Winter Carnival will be a fantastic celebration of the season and Mill Pond is even frozen over!
If you are feeling finished with winter, then you can look forward to my Maple Syrup Festival next month – when the sap starts running that is always a sure sign that spring is just around the corner. I can’t wait to see the Richmond Hill community at my annual event that celebrates spring and maple syrup at Richmond Green Park March 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. As always, admission is free and please support the Richmond Hill Food Bank with a non-perishable food donation.
This month many people in our city will celebrate Lunar New Year. In the Chinese zodiac, it is the Year of the Horse, so for everyone celebrating I send my best wishes for a joyful, healthy, and prosperous Lunar New Year – may the horse’s energy carry you swiftly towards new successes.
I hope that you have special plans to enjoy Family Day. If you are staying in town, be sure to make time for some outdoor winter experiences right here in the city-we are fortunate to have three outdoor skating areas: Bayview Hill, Richmond Green, and the natural surface at Mill Pond (always follow posted safety information when skating on Mill Pond). Whether you are with family, loved ones, or dear friends, on February 16th, have a relaxing day!
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!
Did you see the recent dramatic arrest that YRP made? To me, this demonstrates the outcome of a well funded police force. This was a well orchestrated arrest, with coordination of multiple teams.
I recommend watching the video footage of the arrest to get a sense of complexity of the situation and the professionalism and skill of the YRP teams involved in these arrests that resulted in 4 suspects detained, $150,000 stolen goods recovered and these same suspects were linked to 19 other break and enters across York Region.
In February, many residents will celebrate Lunar New Year, Family Day, and Valentines Day, and YRP has some reminders about extra precautions when there are valuables in the house, or when you are away. To learn more, visit YRP.ca
Stay informed: Sign up for the YRP Newsletter today
News from the
Office of the Mayor
Get to Know your City!
In February, Canadians will once again rally behind our athletes competing at the Olympics, showing our national pride but this is also a great time to build and share some local pride for Richmond Hill!
I had a great time exploring some of the restaurants in the downtown village core (check out the video link above) and I would invite you to do the same. You can visit the Richmond Hill BIA for a list of registered businesses, or head out for a walk or a drive and check out a new shop or cafe.
And speaking of local pride, David Dunlap Observatory had a great highlight recently with Global News Morning Toronto!
Watch the segment for inspiration and then check out the fantastic programming available at the DDO this month – flyers below in “What’s On”.
Getting ready to explore Richmond Hill!
Rolling out soon is Richmond Hill’s Passport to Culture – a year-long, family-friendly way to get out and explore the City’s arts, heritage and culture scene. From galleries and festivals to hidden gems and national treasures, participants collect digital stamps by visiting cultural sites and events across the community. Complete your passport for a chance to win a City of Richmond Hill Cultural Prize Pack!
Watch for more information RichmondHill.ca and the City’s social channels.
In January, I was happy to join Richmond Hill Federal and Provincial Members of Parliament for the Annual RHBOT Power Hour. We covered a wide range of topics of importance and interest to Richmond Hill residents. If you are interested, you can view my ‘highlights reel’ on my YouTube page.
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
The City of Richmond Hill is interested in hearing from you.
As the City prepares to review the Fireworks By-law, please share your perspective – they want to know what works, what could be improved and what you’d like to see in the future. Your feedback will help guide rules about fireworks, their use and more. Survey closes February 13.
Did you know? Richmond Hill now offers online billing for your property tax bill. Sign up today to access your account details. View Your Tax Bill Online
This month, the City of Richmond Hill recognizes Black History Month. At City Hall, we gathered to raise the Pan-African Flag with the York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (YRAACC).
Join the YRAACC Saturday February 14th for their annual celebration of Black History Month at Lauremont School. See flyer below and register online for this free, family event.
Celebrating Black History Month in Richmond Hill
Black Stories in Ontarian History Exhibit shares narratives of significant contributors to Ontario’s Black history. It includes select profiles on loan from the Ontario Black History Society. This exhibit highlights the stories of Black Ontarians from the early 1600s to early 1900s who shaped our province’s history from enslavement to emancipation, and early settlement, underscoring themes of resilience, leadership, and community building.
Exhibit on display until February 28.
Experience the Afrophilia Exhibit at RHPL. Afrophilia celebrates Black identity and perspectives. Based in Toronto, Jamaican-born artist Frantz Brent-Harris explores the complexities and perception of Black representation through his bust sculpture displays of Black people. Traditionally, bust sculptures highlighted Eurocentric figures lacking in diversity, gender, and class. On display at Central Branch in the Glass Case Gallery now until March 29.
Black History Month at the Visual Art Gallery – Artist Ava Jasmine Dedier
Explore Ava Jasine Dedier’s collection Trendsetters: The Living Canvas on display at the Visual Art Gallery, at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. This exhibition reflects on Black memory, resilience and ancestral presence.
Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra’s Soul Connection – Saturday, February 14
The RHPO is thrilled to collaborate with acclaimed vocalist and producer, George St. Kitts to present Soul Connection at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.
RHPL invites you to join Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic with Dr. Lindsey Stewart – a virtual Author Talk taking place Thursday, February 12, 2 p.m.
Richmond Hill is committed to their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy.
Events like these support their ongoing effort to build a community of neighbours, where everyone feels respected and has a sense of belonging.
Richmond Hill Public Library is developing their new strategic plan, which will help guide library programs, lendable items and services from 2026-2030. Whether you’re a frequent library user, or you’ve never visited your local branch, you’re invited to share your opinions and perspectives and win exciting prizes!
Help your local library to set the course for the next five years of events, collections, spaces and partnerships. Let’s build a plan that reflects our community’s values and aspirations, while also ensuring that RHPL remains a trusted space for everyone.
Take the survey until Feb. 16.
RHPL’s Strategic Plan Survey (available in English, 简体中文, 繁體中文, and فارسی) is one of the many ways that you can help shape the future of our library. It’s also your chance to win one of two $100 Hillcrest Mall gift cards or a Samsung Galaxy Tab A11!
Community Events and News
Staying warm through February’s deep freeze shouldn’t come at the cost of safety. Stay warm but safe with these tips:
· Keep anything that can burn at least one metre away from all heat sources.
· Always plug heaters directly into the wall, never an extension cord. Turn off heaters before leaving the room or going to bed.
· If you’re using a fireplace, ensure the screen is secure.
· Have your furnace and fireplace inspected annually to make sure vents, flues, and chimneys are clear and functioning properly before lighting a fire.
· Candles add cozy charm, but battery‑powered options are the safer choice.
A few small steps help prevent winter‑related fires and keep your home comfortable all season long. Let’s stay warm, stay alert, and look out for one another. For more information visit: RichmondHill.ca/Fire
Be Alert for Flooding
Winter season brings specific flood risks like ice jams and heavy snowmelt. TRCA’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Program actively monitors these conditions to provide valuable updates to your local municipality.
As a member of the TRCA BOard of Directors, I encourage you to stay prepared by signing up for TRCA’s Flood Messages at trca.ca/get-flood-messages.
February Dates of Significance
Watch out for celebrations and memorials of the following Significant Heritage Dates.
Black History Month
February 15 – National Flag of Canada Day
February 21 – International Mother Language Day
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 January Events
Here are a few of the events I was privileged to participate in lately,on behalf of the City of Richmond Hill
19th Annual Thai Pongal Festival and Tamil Heritage Month Gala Dinner
Presenting Municipal Politics to the Grade 5 students at Holy Trinity School
Tzu Chi Chinese Year-End Blessing Tea Ceremony
CCTV medium celebrates the Chinese New Year
Throughout January, we have seen the Richmond Hill Iranian community gather to rally in support of all the brave souls standing up for basic human rights in Iran and an end to the Iranian regime.
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