Council Meeting Recaps

Richmond Hill’s 2025 update highlights strong progress on the 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, advancing housing, climate action, community building, and service improvements. Council also to adopted updates to the Committee Appointment Policy, allowing Permanent Residents to serve, prioritizing early-term applicants for mid‑term vacancies, and limiting Citizen Members to one committee except in special cases.

Richmond Hill’s 2025 update highlights strong progress on the 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, advancing housing, climate action, community building, and service improvements. Council also to adopted updates to the Committee Appointment Policy, allowing Permanent Residents to serve, prioritizing early-term applicants for mid‑term vacancies, and limiting Citizen Members to one committee except in special cases.

Council will consider a motion from Councillor Davidson directing staff to provide regular winter maintenance updates on the City’s official Facebook page at the same time as updates on X (formerly Twitter), including after overnight snowfalls and during active plowing and salting operations.

Agenda items include the Lake Wilcox Boathouse report, the City's EV charging strategy, a commemorative veterans’ crosswalk and zoning amendment applications.

Agenda items include the Lake Wilcox Boathouse report, the City's EV charging strategy, a commemorative veterans’ crosswalk and zoning amendment applications.

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.