Recap: Committee of the Whole Meeting - April 1
- Apr 1
- 4 min read
Council Meeting Wednesday April 1, 2026 at 9:30am
Meeting Agenda: Revised Meeting Agenda
Recap:
All agenda items were moved to next week's Council Meeting.
Much of the discussion focused on staff’s request for feedback on the Richmond Green Revitalization Master Plan. Several speakers from the pickleball community highlighted the urgent need for additional courts and year‑round access. Council members acknowledged the growing demand for pickleball but emphasized the importance of balancing facilities across all sports and activities to meet the needs of Richmond Hill’s diverse population. The Master Plan will inform the forthcoming Tennis & Pickleball Strategy, which is currently in development and expected to come to Council in June.
Council approved an additional $4.5 million for the Dave Barrow Civic Square project. Councillor Davidson moved to defer the decision, pointing to a newly announced federal‑provincial partnership that could influence development charges and future funding streams. She argued that a short deferral would allow Council to make a fully informed decision with updated financial and policy information, without causing unnecessary delays to the project. While several Council Members acknowledged the financial uncertainties, they emphasized the importance of moving forward. Councillor Davidson’s deferral motion was defeated, and Council voted to proceed with the additional $4.5 million.
Council supported Councillor Liu’s motion to fund five additional closed‑circuit television (CCTV) cameras in Richmond Hill to enhance public safety. York Regional Police were present to answer Council Members’ questions. YRP currently operates nine CCTV cameras in the city, with data showing measurable positive impacts. The proposed expansion aims to close existing geographic and timing gaps, incorporating Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology to support real‑time vehicle identification and enable quicker prevention or intervention in criminal activity.
Agenda Items Include:
The City is asking Council to approve an extra $4.5 million for the Dave Barrow Civic Square project.
The project has grown from a simple park into a fully programmed civic space designed for events and year-round community use.
The design is now more detailed, revealing higher and more accurate costs
New features have been added (stage, AV/LED screens, lighting, signage, storage, Wi-Fi, etc.)
How it will be paid for:
$1M from Development Charges
$3.5M from Parkland Reserve funds
The City’s new comprehensive zoning by-law (93-25) has been appealed by multiple parties and is now being reviewed by the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).
There are 22 appeals to the new by-law, plus earlier appeals to a related by-law it replaced.
The City needs direction to defend and potentially refine its new zoning rules at the tribunal, while working toward resolving appeals through legal action or settlement.
The City is presenting a draft plan to upgrade and modernize Richmond Green, its largest park, and is asking for public feedback before finalizing it.
Key proposed changes:
A new 12-court, year-round pickleball facility (Phase 1)
New and upgraded sports areas (soccer, volleyball, skatepark, fitness)
Enhanced event spaces, gardens, and public gathering areas
Better trails, entrances, and wayfinding
More trees, shade, and environmentally sustainable landscaping
Improved lighting, infrastructure, and amenities
Cost:
First phases are estimated at about $12.1 million, higher than previously planned.
Next steps:
A 30-day public comment period
Final plan expected later in 2026
This motions calls for a coordinated, multi-level law enforcement response with funding support to better prevent and respond to antisemitic hate and violence.
This motion asks staff to study whether disc golf could be introduced in Richmond Hill parks. Staff would report back with recommendations, including whether to try a pilot project by September 2026.
This motion proposes investing in 5 additional surveillance cameras, at a cost of $20,000 each, to help deter crime and improve community safety, with police deciding where they are most needed.
How to Share Your Feedback
If you have questions or concerns regarding any meeting agenda items, you are encouraged to share your thoughts.
You can send your written comments about agenda items by emailing clerks@richmondhill.ca. Please submit your comments must be submitted by 12 p.m. (noon) one business day before the meeting. All comments will be shared with Members of Council, treated as public information, and will be included on the public agenda posted to the City’s website.
Speaking at the Meeting
If you would like to speak to Council about an item that is on the meeting agenda, you must register in advance with the Office of the Clerk. Registration is due by 12 pm (noon) one business day before the meeting.
You can register by emailing clerks@richmondhill.ca or by using the on-line application form. You may speak in person, by video, or by phone. The Clerk’s Office will send you instructions on how to participate.
