Council Meeting Recaps

Richmond Hill may end individual councillor-hosted events by 2027, shifting focus to City/community-led initiatives. Expense policy updates aim to boost transparency and accountability, with clearer rules and spending caps. Traffic changes include reducing speed limits to 40 km/h on select roads and adjusting parking for safety and access.

Richmond Hill may end individual councillor-hosted events by 2027, shifting focus to City/community-led initiatives. Expense policy updates aim to boost transparency and accountability, with clearer rules and spending caps. Traffic changes include reducing speed limits to 40 km/h on select roads and adjusting parking for safety and access.

The City’s overall $510.4M budget proposes a 3.46% tax increase ($75.52/year for the average home), plus water and stormwater rate hikes. Key investments: roads, parks, flood protection, and facility upgrades. Budget strategy emphasizes affordability, sustainability, and service quality.

Proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments seek to permit a large mixed-use development with eight towers (39–49 storeys), 3,773 housing units, retail, and a private elevated park, while retaining some hotel and conference uses. The land must be redesignated to allow housing. Staff are gathering public comments, noting concerns about height, density, transportation, servicing, schools, parks, and coordination with the new Secondary Plan.

Council is reviewing a rezoning application for 181 & 187 Elgin Mills Rd E to permit 16 townhomes. The proposal aligns with Richmond Hill’s Official Plan and nearby developments. Public feedback led to design changes improving layout, access, and safety. Planning staff support the amendment. Also, a motion urging local businesses to register AEDs at aedfoundationontario.ca to support emergency response and save lives when seconds count.

A Zoning By-law Amendment has been proposed to allow 40 stacked townhouses at 123 Lawrence Ave and 186–192 Major Mackenzie Dr E. The plan includes three 4-storey blocks, 10 studio and 30 one-bedroom units, 21 parking spaces, and a shared amenity area. The site is within a transit-focused growth zone and aligns with Richmond Hill’s Official Plan. Council and public feedback are being gathered before a final decision.

Council is reviewing a rezoning application for 181 & 187 Elgin Mills Rd E to permit 16 townhomes. The proposal aligns with Richmond Hill’s Official Plan and nearby developments. Public feedback led to design changes improving layout, access, and safety. Planning staff support the amendment. Also, a motion urging local businesses to register AEDs at aedfoundationontario.ca to support emergency response and save lives when seconds count.

Richmond Hill staff recommend approving a zoning amendment and subdivision plan to add 9 homes to 5 existing lots. Tree loss, traffic, and density concerns have been addressed. The East Beaver Creek Secondary Plan outlines three growth options, all transit-friendly and exceeding density targets. If approved, Council pay will align with non-union staff increases, ending the need for a review committee. A motion also asks to support plant-based food initiatives to meet climate

Phase 1 proposes two towers (18 & 24 storeys, 632 units), a new private road, and a public square. Phase 2 adds two towers (20 & 33 storeys, 782 units). Building A offers 290 rentals, Building B 342 condos; ~35% will be affordable. City review underway—concerns include tower design, angular plane, open space, and Phase 2 density. The plan aligns with Yonge & Bernard Secondary Plan and York Region growth goals. No decisions yet.

Richmond Hill staff recommend approving a zoning amendment and subdivision plan to add 9 homes to 5 existing lots. Tree loss, traffic, and density concerns have been addressed. The East Beaver Creek Secondary Plan outlines three growth options, all transit-friendly and exceeding density targets. If approved, Council pay will align with non-union staff increases, ending the need for a review committee. A motion also asks to support plant-based food initiatives to meet climate

Richmond Hill is preparing for the October 26, 2026 municipal election with updated voting methods, financial policies, and compliance oversight. Voters can choose online or tabulator ballots. A new policy modernizes committee appointments to improve diversity and efficiency. Council also supports the Elect Respect campaign, promoting civility in politics and safer democratic participation for all.

Richmond Hill is preparing for the October 26, 2026 municipal election with updated voting methods, financial policies, and compliance oversight. Voters can choose online or tabulator ballots. A new policy modernizes committee appointments to improve diversity and efficiency. Council also supports the Elect Respect campaign, promoting civility in politics and safer democratic participation for all.

Mayor West’s motion calls for stronger safety at child-focused sites after the First Roots Daycare tragedy. Council backs provincial action and urges further steps. The Integrity Commissioner’s report recommends tighter access and hiring rules. Council discussed micromobility, sidewalk cycling, and Oak Ridges Community Centre litigation. Richmond Hill is advancing zoning updates, mobility options, and opposing overdevelopment on Norfolk Avenue.

Two Zoning By-law Amendment applications are under review in Richmond Hill. Leslie Centre Ltd. seeks approval to allow outdoor sales and seasonal storage (e.g., plants, produce, soil) at FreshCo, 1430 Major Mackenzie Dr. E. Meanwhile, 2717632 Ontario Ltd. proposes a residential development of four semi-detached homes at 491 Elgin Mills Rd. W. Public comments are invited for both applications.

Richmond Hill is advancing key initiatives: a Micromobility Strategy to allow e-scooters and e-bikes on select roads and paths, a new Comprehensive Zoning By-law to modernize development rules city-wide, and opposition to a proposed 15-storey building on Norfolk Avenue due to overdevelopment concerns. These efforts aim to improve mobility, guide sustainable growth, and protect neighbourhood character.

The City is reviewing a proposal to redevelop 263 Oxford Street. The developer, Pinewalk Estates Inc., wants to demolish the existing home and build 10 houses (2 singles and 8 semis) with an extension of Direzze Court. This requires rezoning from R2 to R4 and approval of a subdivision plan. City staff are gathering input from Council, agencies, and the public before making a recommendation. No final decision has been made yet.

The City of Richmond Hill is combining and updating all its zoning rules into one new Comprehensive Zoning By-law. This will replace older by-laws and set clear, modern rules for what can be built, where, and how. It covers neighbourhoods, growth centres, green spaces, and job areas. The goal is to support housing, protect the environment, and plan growth around transit. Council is now asking for public comments before the new by-law is finalized.

Council will consider motions and approvals on key issues, including Councillor Davidson’s call for provincial action on salt pollution, with Lake Wilcox salt levels rising sharply. Agenda items also include $99,878 in grants to 26 cultural projects and several zoning and condo applications. There are also member motions for 2026 FIFA World Cup viewing events, heritage grant updates, Bond Lake and TRCA, and pickleball facilities.

Three Zoning By-law Amendment applications are under review. At 70 Arnold Cres. (Ward 4) and 2 Fairview Ave. (Ward 5), applicants seek to split existing lots and build two single-detached homes, requiring zoning changes to allow smaller lots and site-specific exceptions. At 114 Centre St. W. (Ward 4), the proposal includes 2 single- and 4 semi-detached homes on a private road. Staff raised concerns about neighbourhood fit, tree loss, and non-compliance with design guidelines.

Council will consider motions and approvals on key issues, including Councillor Davidson’s call for provincial action on salt pollution, with Lake Wilcox salt levels rising sharply. Agenda items also include $99,878 in grants to 26 cultural projects and several zoning and condo applications. There are also member motions for 2026 FIFA World Cup viewing events, heritage grant updates, Bond Lake and TRCA, and pickleball facilities.