Committee of the Whole Meeting - February 18
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
Council Meeting Wednesday February 18, 2026 at 9:30am
Meeting Agenda: Meeting Agenda
Watch Council Meeting: City's YouTube or Livestream
Agenda Items Include:
The City has been working for many years on creating a welcoming gateway at the south entrance to Richmond Hill, right at Yonge Street and Garden Avenue.
Here’s where things stand:
Council supported the concept early on. In 2013, Council endorsed a vision for six tall, illuminated features in the Yonge Street median to signal that you’re entering Richmond Hill.
The groundwork is already in place. When the VivaNext rapidway was built, electrical conduits were installed so the future lighting feature could be added without major disruption.
Residents helped shape the design. City staff refined the concept through technical reviews and public surveys. Based on that feedback, a final design is now ready for Council to consider.
Next steps depend on funding. Once Council approves the final design and enough Community Benefits Charge funding is available, staff will request budget approval to begin detailed design and construction.
We’re looking for cost‑sharing opportunities. The City will apply to York Region’s Sustainable Transportation and Urban Design Partnership Program and explore grants, partnerships, sponsorships, and other funding sources to help bring the gateway to life.
The insurance pool covers the types of insurance municipalities need to operate safely and protect taxpayers from financial risk.
The report asks Council to approve Richmond Hill joining a new shared insurance program with other York Region municipalities.
Right now, municipalities buy insurance from private companies. Studies showed that only about 22 cents of every dollar paid in premiums actually goes toward claims. The rest covers broker fees, insurer profits, and other commercial costs.
To reduce these costs, eight York Region municipalities, including Richmond Hill, plan to form a joint insurance pool starting July 1, 2026. By pooling their risks together, they can lower premiums, stabilize long term costs, and have more control over claims and risk management.
For Richmond Hill, the projected savings are about $3.26 million over five years, plus about $824,000 in retained equity, for a total benefit of just over $4 million.
The motion responds to the Province of Ontario’s plan to modernize and consolidate Conservation Authorities across the province.
The motion asks that:
Watershed-based decision making for the Oak Ridges Moraine and Rouge River system be preserved.
Richmond Hill maintains strong municipal representation and clear funding arrangements.
Flood protection, environmental review, and permitting services continue without interruption.
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority name, identity, boundaries, and operations remain unchanged to protect public trust and regulatory certainty.
Any costs related to consolidation or creating a new provincial conservation agency be paid entirely by the Province, not municipalities.
In new subdivisions that have not yet been officially assumed by the City, developers, not the municipality, are responsible for snow clearing on roads and sidewalks.
Residents in some of these areas have complained that snow removal is not being done properly or on time. Poor snow clearing can affect safety, emergency vehicle access, and pedestrian movement.
The motion asks Council to direct staff to review current policies and enforcement practices for developer-led snow clearing. This includes looking at stronger complaint processes, increased penalties for developers who do not comply, and possibly requiring windrow removal.
Staff would report back to Council before the summer recess in 2026 with recommendations.
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.
Speaking to Council on a Topic Not on the Agenda (Public Forum)
If you would like to speak to Council about a topic that is not on the agenda, you must also register in advance 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 participate in person, by video, or by phone. Please note that only five people can speak during the Public Forum, and spots are given on a first-come, first-served basis.
