Committee of the Whole Meeting - October 22
- Marian
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Council Meeting Wednesday October 22, 2025 at 9:30am
Meeting Agenda: Meeting Agenda
Watch Council Meeting: City's YouTube or Livestream
Agenda Items Include:
Request for Approval – Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft Plan of Subdivision Applications - 35, 37, 39, and 41 Edgar Avenue and 20 Scott Drive
The owners of five properties want to rezone and subdivide their land to create nine new single detached homes.
The five existing houses on Edgar Avenue and Scott Drive will remain.→ Total homes after development: 14 (5 existing + 9 new).
Concerns Raised & Responses
Tree loss: 79 trees to be removed; replacement or cash-in-lieu and new landscaping required.
Traffic & noise: City reviewed studies and found no issues.
Density & lot size: Within official limits and consistent with nearby developments.
Compatibility: Fits the character and pattern of the neighbourhood.
City Staff Recommendation
Approve both the zoning amendment and subdivision plan.
The proposal meets the Official Plan, Planning Act, and City policies.
All technical and public comments have been addressed.
The purpose of this report is to present the Background Report and draft land use
options respecting the East Beaver Creek (EBC) Secondary Plan area.
Key Highlights
Purpose: Create a Secondary Plan to guide future development, including housing, jobs, parks, roads, and transit.
Current Area: Mix of industrial, office, and commercial uses, with some residential buildings but limited community amenities.
Vision: A complete, transit-connected community with diverse housing, public spaces, and civic presence.
Draft Land Use Options
Three concepts were proposed:
Option 1 (Lower Density): Up to 25 storeys, ~9,000 residents, ~1,800 jobs.
Option 2 (Medium Density): Up to 30 storeys, ~11,500 residents, ~1,700 jobs.
Option 3 (Higher Density): Up to 35 storeys, ~16,000 residents, ~1,600 jobs.
All options exceed provincial density targets and include new parks, plazas, and stormwater upgrades.
Community Input
Residents want walkability, green space, and moderate building heights.
Landowners support growth but prefer taller buildings.
External agencies and First Nations have been consulted.
Next Steps
Staff will review feedback and technical studies to recommend a preferred option in early 2026. Public consultation will continue before final adoption
To recommend that a Council Compensation Review Committee not be formed for the 2026 to 2030 Term of Council, and that the compensation paid to Members of Council, beginning with the 2026 to 2030 Term of Council on November 15, 2026 be increased by the same approved percentage amount provided to non-unionized City Staff on a recurring basis.
Key Recommendations
No more Compensation Review Committee: Staff propose ending the practice of forming a citizen committee every term to review Council pay. It’s time-consuming and hasn’t led to major changes.
The 2013, 2018 and 2022 Council Compensation Review Committee’s have all made similar recommendations to Council which was to align with increases provided to nn-unionized Town Staff.
Council Compensation Review Committees (CCRCs) are currently utilized by only two other municipalities, Burlington and Barrie. The remaining municipalities surveyed align general wage increases for Members of Council with those provided to non-union staff.
Currently, Council as a whole is responsible for setting the remuneration that is paid to individual Members of Council.
Annual salary increases: Council members’ pay would rise each year by the same percentage as non-union City staff. For example, a 2.7% increase is planned for January 1, 2027.
Benefits stay the same: Council members will continue to receive health, dental, pension, and other non-monetary benefits.
Monitoring continues: Staff will keep an eye on pay trends in other municipalities and report back if Richmond Hill falls out of step.
Why This Matters
Richmond Hill’s Council salaries are already in line with other cities.
This approach saves time and ensures fairness and transparency.
Councillor Thompson is proposing that Richmond Hill support plant-based food systems as part of its climate action efforts. The motion calls for:
Promoting plant-based diets in line with the City’s climate goals
Offering plant-based options at City events
Encouraging community groups to do the same
Raising awareness about the environmental and health benefits of plant-based eating
The initiative aligns with Richmond Hill’s Community Energy and Emissions Plan.
Public Comments:
The public may submit written correspondence regarding agenda items by email to clerks@richmondhill.ca. Written correspondence must be submitted by 12 p.m. (noon) one business day before the meeting. Comments submitted will be provided to all Members of Council, are considered as public information and will be included on the public agenda posted to the City’s website.
Delegations:
Any person who wishes to speak to Council on agenda items must pre-register with the Office of the Clerk by 12 p.m. (noon) one business day before the meeting. Applications to appear as a delegation can be submitted by email to clerks@richmondhill.ca or by using the on-line application form. Delegations can be in person, or electronically by video conference or telephone. The Office of the Clerk will provide instructions on appearing as a delegation.
