Committee of the Whole Meeting - June 3
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Committee of the Whole Meeting Wednesday June 3, 2026 at 9:30am
Meeting Agenda: Meeting Agenda
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Agenda Items Include:
The City is recommending nearly $100,000 in grants to local community groups, arts organizations, charities, youth groups, seniors organizations, and cultural initiatives. Funding would support programming, events, arts, education, and community services across Richmond Hill.
Staff are presenting a proposed long-term strategy for City-run events. The strategy looks at improving and expanding community events, enhancing programming, and planning future funding needs. Additional operating funding is being requested to support implementation.
The proposed Service Delivery Model for events in Richmond Hill includes two Event types – City Events and Community Events.
Planned improvements to existing events include:
Expanding Concerts in the Park and Moonlight Movies into every ward
Adding a spring Art Walk
Enhancing Remembrance Day programming
Reimagining the Merry Marketplace
The report also proposes several new events over the next four years, including:
A Maple Syrup Festival at Richmond Green
Opening celebrations and year-round programming at Dave Barrow Civic Square
A winter festival at Civic Square
A Council fundraising gala at the David Dunlap Observatory
A Yonge Street Music Festival with road closures and performances
A Halloween event at Lake Wilcox Park
This report reviews Richmond Hill’s current fireworks rules and responds to Councillor Davidson's Motion from June 2025 to examine whether fireworks should be banned in the city. All comments on the key directions and draft Fireworks By-law will be referred to staff.
It is recommended the City continue permitting consumer fireworks on Victoria Day and Canada Day based on public survey results, scientific research, and benchmarked municipalities.
Alternative fireworks options, including drone or laser light shows, may be
considered viable subject to the specific context and objectives of the visual show.
Environmental and animal impacts resulting from firework discharge are generally short-term and can be mitigated particularly where use is limited in scale and duration.
A draft by-law has been included for Council consideration incorporating updated language, enhanced enforcement tools such as Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMPS) enforcement, updated safety requirements in alignment with Federal regulations, and revised timing restrictions that limit when fireworks may be used and displayed, consistent with the City’s Noise By-law.
Staff are providing an update on the City’s environmental and climate resilience initiatives, including sustainability and resilience planning work currently underway.
The City is reviewing whether Richmond Hill should create a financing program to help homeowners pay for energy efficiency upgrades such as insulation, windows, or heat pumps. Staff are also recommending further public education and exploration of partnerships with other levels of government.
A request for approval concerning proposed Zoning By-law Amendment and draft Plan of Subdivision applications to permit a medium density residential development to be comprised of 15 townhouse dwelling units with common element condominium tenure.
A request for approval concerning a proposed Zoning By-law Amendment application to permit a residential development to be comprised of four (4) semi-detached dwellings.
This report updates Richmond Hill’s Member of Council Expense Policy starting January 1, 2027. The goal is to improve clarity, accountability, consistency, and transparency around how Council expense budgets are used.
Key proposed changes include:
A new $75 per person spending cap for business meetings and hospitality expenses.
Clarifying that table prize tickets are not eligible expenses.
Replacing separate meal limits with a simpler $75 daily meal allowance for travel, conferences, and training.
Encouraging councillors to use City corporate payment tools instead of personal credit cards or cheques to reduce reimbursement paperwork.
Clarifying that expenses tied to councillor-run events or fundraising activities are not allowed under the policy.
Adding clearer consequences for policy non-compliance to strengthen accountability.
The report says the changes are mostly administrative and governance-related and do not increase councillor budgets or compensation.
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.
Delegations - 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.
