Council Meeting Recaps

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.

Richmond Hill is on track to end 2025 with a balanced budget, despite $3.8M in emergency road repairs and higher snow and fire service costs. Extra revenues and savings offset these pressures. A $3.7M water shortfall will be covered by reserves. Survey results show residents prioritize snow clearing, parks, and fire services, while festivals, climate, and housing rank lowest. Fiscal feedback supports service reductions, modest tax increases, and new revenue strategies.

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.

All agenda items were approved by Council including Councillor Davidson's motion to direct staff to explore the feasibility of banning fireworks. Approval to submit funding applications for sewer upgrades and tennis court improvements. Speed limits reductions and new parking rules proposed. Council endorsement for the York Region Food Charter to support local food access. Approval of heritage designations for six culturally significant properties.

Motion to direct staff to explore the feasibility of banning fireworks, including alternatives like drone shows and impact and cost assessments. Approval to submit funding applications for sewer upgrades and tennis court improvements. Speed limits reductions and new parking rules proposed. Council endorsement for the York Region Food Charter to support local food access. Approval of heritage designations for six culturally significant properties.

Richmond Hill’s economic mission to Hannover Messe 2025 showcased the city’s innovation strengths, attracting global interest and investment. Delepartnershi businesses and agencies. Meanwhile, Richmond Hill’s 2025 property tax levy is set at $152.1M, with key tax policy updates including a 35% discount for new rental buildings and adjustments for low-income seniors. Councillor Davidson is proposing an earlier start time for Council Public Meetings to improve accessibility.

The City is seeking public feedback on three development proposals. At 11 Headdon Gate, the owner seeks to legalize an existing private school (Prestige School). At 0 Laurier Avenue, the proposal is to split a vacant lot into two for single-detached homes. At 13564 & 13580 Yonge Street and 40 Coon’s Road, a revised plan proposes an 8-storey apartment, 12 townhomes, and a detached home. The City is reviewing zoning, density, height, and community impacts.

Richmond Hill’s economic mission to Hannover Messe 2025 showcased the city’s innovation strengths, attracting global interest and investment. Delepartnershi businesses and agencies. Meanwhile, Richmond Hill’s 2025 property tax levy is set at $152.1M, with key tax policy updates including a 35% discount for new rental buildings and adjustments for low-income seniors. Councillor Davidson is proposing an earlier start time for Council Public Meetings to improve accessibility.

Residents voiced concerns over traffic, parking, and neighborhood aesthetics, but council members, constrained by provincial policies, had limited power to oppose the proposed 15-story condominium at 107 Hall Street. Despite local opposition, the project was approved to avoid costly legal battles at the Ontario Land Tribunal. The meeting underscored the disconnect between community vision and development mandates, highlighting the challenges of balancing growth with resident

The redevelopment proposal for 174, 176, and 180 Weldrick Road West includes 12 new three-storey single detached homes on a private road. There are concerns about neighborhood compatibility, floodplain encroachment, and zoning variances. Meanwhile, a separate proposal for 0 Longworth Avenue seeks to develop two five-storey mixed-use buildings, which city staff are still reviewing due to concerns about density, environmental impact, and zoning compliance.

The City’s plan ensures roads, water systems, and buildings remain in good condition. Required by Ontario, it helps cities plan responsibly. The Hall Street Development Corporation seeks approval for two high-rise buildings while preserving a heritage house. Another developer proposes zoning changes for a townhouse project. Richmond Hill will install a memorial tree and bench to honor Mahsa Amini, supporting human rights. A motion calls for a new tax classification for rental

Council meetings are vital for governance, with this motion requiring weekly in-person attendance, by Council Members allowing limited virtual participation. Richmond Hill introduces a site alteration permit for small developments under new Ontario legislation. Zoning amendments proposed for residential projects at Beech and Harris Avenues, and Bayview Avenue.

On the agenda are requests for comments for Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments for 1501 19th Avenue and 11 Harris Avenue. At 1501 19th, the proposal includes thirteen three-storey townhouse units on a private condominium road. At 11 Harris, the plan is for a ten-storey mixed-use development featuring 119 residential units and commercial space.