Recap: Council Meeting - June 24
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
Council Meeting Wednesday June 24, 2026 at 9:30am
Meeting Agenda: Revised Meeting Agenda
Watch Council Meeting: Meeting Video
Recap:
All agenda items were approved by Council.
Council did have separate debate over heritage designation for two Anglican church properties on Yonge Street, and approval of a new operating agreement between the city and the public library.
Agenda Items Include:
Council will consider changes intended to improve oversight and enforcement of snow clearing requirements in unassumed subdivisions. The report strengthens developer accountability for snow clearing in new subdivisions by requiring windrow removal, ending the practice of the City plowing roads on developers' behalf, increasing penalties for non-compliance, and improving communication with residents.
Staff are recommending a significant expansion of Richmond Hill's Heritage Grant Program. The proposal would:
Increase the maximum matching grant from $5,000 to $15,000.
Increase annual funding from $30,000 to $105,000.
Continue supporting owners of heritage properties with preservation and restoration projects.
Richmond Hill staff are asking Council and residents for feedback on a new Tennis and Pickleball Strategy that will guide how courts and programs are planned until 2041. The strategy is intended to balance growing demand for both sports while dealing with limited park space and budget constraints.
Major Recommendations:
More Tennis Opportunities
2 new tennis courts at Heron View Park.
8 new tennis courts at the future West Gormley Community Park
8 additional community tennis club courts.
8 more courts covered for winter indoor play.
More Pickleball Courts
New 12-court pickleball hub at Richmond Green.
New 8-10 court hub at Brodie House Parkette.
Additional neighbourhood pickleball courts across the city.
Potential conversion of some underused tennis courts.
Long-term goal of one pickleball court per 5,000 residents by 2041.
Seasonal Pickleball Courts at Gormley GO (Per Councillor Davidson's Motion)
Future Indoor Racquet Sports Facility
Study a dedicated indoor tennis and pickleball facility, including potential opportunities at the future North Leslie Community Centre.
Court Management Improvements
More consistent booking and reservation systems.
Standardized court rotation and wait-list procedures.
Expanded opportunities to reserve courts.
City staff are asking Council to formally oppose a revised development proposal at 13572 and 13586 Bayview Avenue, located north of Snively Street and adjacent to the Wilcox-St. George Provincially Significant Wetland. The applicant has appealed the matter to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).
The application in front of OLT is for a 10-storey residential apartment building
with 229 units and three (3) levels of underground parking.
This is the third and most aggressive version of a development proposal that Council has previously approved in more modest forms. The original approvals were for an 8-storey building with 103 units, later increased to 135 units. The current proposal seeks a 10-storey building with 229 units and nearly doubles the density originally approved.
Staff believe it no longer fits the intent of Richmond Hill's Official Plan, is incompatible with the surrounding neighbourhood and adjacent wetland, and raises unresolved environmental and engineering concerns.
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.
