From the Desk of Mayor David West
September E-Newsletter 2024
Dear Neighbours,
September brings many familiar routines and occasions including ‘back to school’ schedules, the Terry Fox run, and the Mid Autumn Festival. Later this month, we will be acknowledging a more recent addition to our September calendar when we raise the Every Child Matters flag at City Hall in recognition and honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024.
In this issue, I am happy to share news from our community and report on my recent advocacy work on behalf of Richmond Hill.
Sincerely,
Mayor David West
City of Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill News
For many of us, the celebration of Hillcrest Mall’s 50th Anniversary was a walk down memory lane. It was fantastic to see the memory boards on display and to appreciate how the mall and the many retailers have grown and adapted to our changing city over the past 50 years.
Michelle and I were grateful for the chance to enjoy the festivities. We both have cherished childhood memories of visiting Hillcrest. It was a important social and shopping hub for our community when it opened years ago, as it continues to be now in 2024. I hope that you are able to visit the mall and enjoy the ongoing celebrations and contests.
Visit Hillcrest50 to learn more.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF E-BIKES AND E-SCOOTERS IN RICHMOND HILL?
Have your say at upcoming Public Information Centres
Richmond Hill – Richmond Hill is developing a Micromobility Strategy that will guide decisions on regulating the use of micromobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters on roads, trails and parks as well as investigate cycling on sidewalks.
Micromobility generally refers to a variety of lightweight devices, that are usually electric, including the more common e-bikes and e-scooters. As micromobility increases in popularity due to its convenience and affordability, it is important that the City establishes regulations and guidelines to ensure safety in public spaces.
Join the discussion at one of the following Public Information Centres:
- Monday, September 16, 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Bayview Hill Community Centre or,
- Wednesday, September 18, 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Oak Ridges Community Centre
At each session, City staff will be sharing information about the project and residents are encouraged to join the conversation. For those who cannot attend in person, the presentation will be live-streamed and include a chat-based Q&A session. Registration details are available at RichmondHill.ca/Micromobility.
The Micromobility Strategy is one of the components in the City’s Transportation Master Plan to address safety, enforcement and education related to micromobility vehicles in our city.
For more information and to learn more about this project, visit RichmondHill.ca/Micromobility.
It is time for the Richmond Hill ArtWalk!
Mark your calendars for this terrific, free, one-day indoor and outdoor artist and artisan marketplace as we celebrate the incredible talent of our local artists. Plan to support them and #shoplocal from the one of a kind works of art that will be displayed across a number of artistic mediums.
When: Sunday, September 22
Time: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Indoors and Outdoors – Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts(RHCPA)
Participating artists will also be featured in the City’s Visual Art Gallery, located in the main lobby of the RHCPA during the month of September.
News from the Office of the Mayor
In August I was honoured to lead our Richmond Hill delegation at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) annual conference. While there, I had a packed agenda, capitalizing on the opportunity to raise issues of importance to the Provincial government members in attendance including discussions about accessing the provincial funding allocated to the Building Faster Fund and housing goals, supporting small businesses, transportation in and around our growing city, and the increasing demand for safe, affordable housing and solutions to the mental health and addictions epidemic in Ontario.
While at AMO, I joined my Mayoral colleagues from ‘Ontario’s Big City Mayors’ (OBCM) who represent Ontario’s largest 29 municipalities and together we launched the Solve the Crisis Campaign Campaign. I have heard our Richmond Hill residents demanding action on the growing homelessness and the need to call on the province to take charge of solving the homelessness crisis unfolding across our cities.
The Solve the Crisis website explains Homelessness, mental health and addiction issues have reached crisis levels on the streets of Ontario’s cities. It’s a humanitarian crisis that continues to grow because of inadequate programs and support for those with addictions and mental health issues, and a lack of housing options for people in vulnerable situations. The impact is concerning. Public spaces no longer feel safe for families. Emergency responders are spending more time on calls for citizens in mental-health crises or who have overdosed. Shelters and treatment facilities are overloaded, employees at libraries and community centres are having to serve as front-line aid workers.
We are calling on the province to ACT by appointing a single ministry and minister to address the homelessness crisis. Municipalities like ours cannot tackle this alone. Please, join the campaign by calling and writing your MPs, MPPs, the premier and key cabinet ministers and sharing your perspective of the impact this crisis is having on your family, community, business, neighbourhood, and city. Visit SolveTheCrisis.ca for more information.
My AMO Member Motion ‘Requesting that the Provincial Government Change the Criteria for Municipalities and Regions to Qualify for the Building Faster Fund’ passed with unanimous consent. Read the full motion and watch my video on my website.
I was glad to voice what many city staff, builders, and other municipalities have expressed concerns about and to continue to call on this provincial government to acknowledge that elected officials do not build houses, so rewarding municipalities based on that metric is inherently flawed.
I know I say this every month, but in these times, when our needs are so great and our other governmental counterparts are not supporting our municipality as we have asked them to, one of my primary responsibilities as Mayor of Richmond Hill is to advocate strongly for our city.
I will continue to press for a fair deal from the provincial and federal governments that allows our city to thrive and have less reliance on a property tax based that is now paying for so many things that are outside of the city’s jurisdiction. I will always work tirelessly for our city.
Stronger Together - Building for Today and Tomorrow
On October 8th, 2024 I look forward to sharing my annual State of the City address, hosted by the Richmond Hill Board of Trade. This is always a highlight of the year for me, as I get to share some of the key successes we have realized in Richmond Hill and outline our goals and plans for the year ahead.
Richmond Hill becomes the first Frontrunner City in Canada
Together with City Staff and members of Council, I was delighted to share the podium with the Urban Economy Forum (UEF) and World Urban Pavilion (WUP) Reza Pourvaziry as they named Richmond Hill as the first Frontrunner City IN CANADA! This terrific accolade was granted to our city thanks to our ongoing dedication to sustainability and sustainable development.
I have been working with UEF and WUP to achieve this result for over a year now and it is wonderful to see this fantastic outcome for our city. It is an honour to represent Richmond Hill and I will continue to shout from the rooftops about our many attributes and successes every chance I get! Our city staff are the unsung heroes in each and every endeavour that we succeed at, so please join me in appreciating their dedication and creativity.
Committee of the Whole meetings and Council Public Meetings have resumed their regular schedule. You can attend 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.
For over 60 years, the Richmond Hill Camera Club has been the focal point for photography enthusiasts in the City and the surrounding York Region.
The new 2024-2025 season is kicking off in September and you can now join the club and enjoy the full program of Guest Speakers, Workshops, Field Trips, and Competitions. You can also increase your skill level from the Learning Curve Mentor program and have your images critiqued in an Evaluation Groups.
To learn more about the Club, scan the QR code or email members@rhcameraclub.ca.
New Reading Clubs for Kids? Yes, at the library.
Our new library reading clubs for kids at Richmond Hill Public Library are here! These clubs offer a fantastic chance for your child to connect with fellow young readers, dive into exciting stories, and enjoy crafts and activities!
Register for free today: https://bit.ly/3ATdbxI
Terry Fox ‘HOPE’ Book Launch
We had the opportunity to celebrate Terry Fox in Richmond Hill with the book launch event for “HOPE”.
It was an inspirational evening, filled with stories and memories that remind us of the admirable qualities we associate with Terry Fox – determination, passion, spirit, and HOPE.
Thank you to the organizers, the editor & publisher, and the many Terry Fox run supporters for your relentless work to carry on the legacy of Terry Fox.
Test Your Smoke Alarm Day: September 28th
Mark your calendars! September 28th is Test Your Smoke Alarm Day in Ontario, a crucial reminder to ensure your home is protected from fire hazards.
Why Test Your Smoke Alarms? Smoke alarms are your first line of defense in case of a fire, providing early warning that can save lives. Regular testing ensures they are working correctly and can alert you in an emergency.
How to Test Your Smoke Alarms:
· Press the Test Button Monthly: Press and hold the test button on your smoke alarm. If it beeps, it’s working. If not, it’s time to replace the batteries or the unit.
· Check for Dust and Debris: Gently vacuum your smoke alarms to remove any dust that could interfere with their operation.
· Replace Batteries Annually: Even if your alarm passes the monthly test, replace the batteries at least once a year to ensure continued functionality.
· Replace Old Alarms: Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Check the date and replace if needed.
· Spread the Word: Encourage your friends, family, and neighbours to test their smoke alarms too. Share the importance of this simple task on social media and help make your community safer.
By taking a few minutes to test your smoke alarms, you’re taking a big step in protecting your home and loved ones.
This September 28th, be #SavedByTheBeep!!
Community Events and News
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:
Garden Social & Sustainability Event
Saturday, September 7, 2024 1 – 4 p.m.
Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park – Picnic Shelter A
Outcome of the War of 1812:
First Nations Betrayed Exhibit
Terry Fox Run in Richmond Hill
Sunday September 15, 2024
Registration; 9 a.m.
Start to Close; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Oak Ridges Community Centre – Back Deck, 12895 Bayview Avenue
Last 2024 Curbside Giveaway Date
Saturday September 21
York Region residents are invited to place unwanted items, labelled FREE, at the curb for other residents and community members to browse and take for their own use, free of charge.
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
Access@RichmondHill.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
