Recap: Council Meeting - May 27
- May 27
- 3 min read
Council Meeting Wednesday May 27, 2026 at 9:30am
Meeting Agenda: Revised Meeting Agenda
Watch Council Meeting: Meeting Video
Recap:
The new CEO of Mackenzie Health provided an update on growing healthcare demands, hospital expansion plans, emergency room pressures, mental health services, and future redevelopment of Richmond Hill Hospital. Council strongly supported continued advocacy for additional hospital beds and future healthcare investments.
Council debated a proposed cell tower application. Staff and several councillors emphasized the need for improved wireless coverage and public safety connectivity, while some residents raised concerns about consultation, health impacts, and property values. Council ultimately voted to receive the report, meaning the application can continue through the federal approval process.
A lengthy discussion took place about proposed parking and traffic regulation changes on streets including Bayard’s Lane and Blackmore Avenue. Some residents opposed the changes due to concerns about school pick-up safety and parking impacts. Council debated amendments but ultimately approved the staff recommendations as originally proposed with the exception of Blackmore Avenue which was sent back to staff for further review.
Council approved a revised development proposal on Norfolk Avenue after negotiations reduced the height, density, and impacts of the project. Councillors noted the changes were considered the best achievable outcome given provincial planning rules and the risk of an even larger approval at the Ontario Land Tribunal.
Agenda Items Include:
The City is proposing to reduce speed limits from 50 km/h to 40 km/h on a large number of residential streets after technical reviews found lower speeds would improve safety.
New or updated parking restrictions are recommended on several streets to improve:
Safety
Sightlines
Traffic flow
Emergency access
Neighbourhood operations.
The City is proposing new stopping restrictions near schools to address unsafe congestion during pick-up and drop-off times.
The City recommends converting Forestwood Street at Libra Avenue
from a regular stop-controlled intersection to an all-way stop intersection after it met the City’s traffic warrant criteria.
The report also recommends banning U-turns on part of Blackmore Avenue near Doncrest Public School to reduce conflicts and improve traffic flow during school drop-off and pick-up periods.
Each year, council will be updated on the City’s asset management progress to meet legislative requirements.
The City’s assets have increased in value but generally remain in good condition.
The City’s Financial Master Plan is a positive step in addressing the annual funding shortfall, which has increased by 4% since last year.
The City has planned and begun implementing a series of asset management initiatives to reduce financial pressures.
The subject Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications were appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) in July 2025 on the basis that Council did not make a decision on the applications within the statutory timeframes prescribed under the Planning Act;
staff are seeking Council direction on the applicant’s revised Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications to permit a high-rise, high density residential development to be comprised of 11 and 14 storey towers with an FSI of 3.82 and 261 apartment dwelling units on the subject lands; and,
the development proposal has been revised to address staff’s comments and
concerns related to policy conformity, building design, height and density, and other technical considerations. Accordingly, staff recommend that Council support the development proposal for the reasons outlined in this report and advise the OLT of same.
The motion requests that Richmond Hill Council recognizes the contributions of the Chinese community to the success and growth to the City of Richmond Hill
and Canada and that Richmond Hill Council proclaims February as Chinese Heritage Month.
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.
