Search Results

Council Meeting Wednesday November 12, 2025 at 9:30am Meeting Agenda: Meeting Agenda Watch Council Meeting: Meeting Video Recap: All agenda items were approved by council including the zoning amendment and the registration of AEDs. Agenda Items Include: Request for Approval – Zoning By-law Amendment Application – 181 and 187 Elgin Mills Road East A request for approval concerning a Zoning By-law Amendment application to permit a medium density residential development comprised of 16 townhouse. The site will be rezoned from R3 (single detached)  to RM1 (townhouse)  with site-specific standards, and also amended under the City’s new Comprehensive Zoning By-law 93-25 . The proposal meets the Official Plan’s Neighbourhood designation , allowing medium-density housing (up to 50 units/ha) and fits with nearby developments along Elgin Mills Road. Public concerns about traffic, density, and compatibility led to design changes, improved layout, added sidewalk, better setbacks, and safer access. Staff say all technical issues have been addressed. Recommendation: Planning staff support the rezoning, saying the project aligns with City policies, provides compatible infill housing, and supports Richmond Hill’s goal of a livable, sustainable community. Member Motion - Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola - Registration of AEDs with AED Foundation Ontario Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) save lives during sudden cardiac arrests, but only if people can find them fast. The AED Foundation Ontario keeps a public registry to help first responders and residents locate nearby AEDs in an emergency. Many Richmond Hill businesses and community spaces already have AEDs, but some aren’t yet registered. The Motion is calling on all local establishments to register their AEDs at www.aedfoundationontario.ca and join a community-wide effort to improve emergency response. The motion also asks that the city launch a public awareness campaign and work with the AED Foundation Ontario to keep the city’s AED registry up to date, ensuring that when seconds count, help is close at hand. 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.  Public Forum:   Any person who wishes to speak to Council on a matter not on the agenda must pre-register with the Office of the Clerk by 12 p.m. (noon) one business day before the meeting. Persons wanting to address Council during the Public Forum portion of the meeting must register by sending an email to   clerks@richmondhill.ca  or by using the on-line application form . Public Forum participation can be in-person, or electronically by video conference or telephone. A maximum of five persons will be allowed to register for the Public Forum on a first come first serve basis.

Budget Committee of the Whole Meeting Tuesday November 18, 2025 at 1:30pm Meeting Agenda: Meeting Agenda Watch Council Meeting:   City's YouTube  or Livestream On the Agenda: 2026 Budget – Village of Richmond Hill Business Improvement Area 2026 Budget Update: Village of Richmond Hill BIA The Village of Richmond Hill Business Improvement Area (BIA) has proposed its 2026 budget, focusing on supporting local businesses and enhancing the downtown experience. Key Highlights: Total budget: $168,275 Tax levy: $100,000 (collected from commercial properties in the BIA) Reserve fund contribution: $68,275 What’s Changing in 2026: Overall spending is down by $14,000 compared to 2025. Event and meeting costs are reduced. A new $17,500 investment in streetscaping to beautify the area. Salaries and professional services remain steady. Marketing and office rent costs have been trimmed. This budget supports the BIA’s continued work to promote local businesses, improve public spaces, and create a vibrant downtown for everyone to enjoy. 2026 Draft Budget To provide Council with highlights of the 2026 Draft Budget as outlined in the 2026 Budget Book published on the City’s website, reflective of Council’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. More info: 2026 Draft Budget Budget Strategy Prioritizes affordability, service quality, and long-term sustainability Limits new staffing to 4 positions (down from 42 projected) Uses reserves and phased funding to reduce pressure Maximizes revenue through user fees and cost recovery Total Budget: $510.4 million Includes operating costs, infrastructure investments, and water/stormwater services. Property Tax Impact Proposed tax increase: 3.46% 1.96% for City operations 1.5% for long-term infrastructure (Capital Asset Sustainability Levy) For an average home assessed at $1.146M : Annual increase: $75.52 $42.78 for operations $32.74 for infrastructure Water & Stormwater Rates Water/Wastewater: 6.1% increase Stormwater: 50% increase Average household impact: $112.33/year These increases help fund future repairs and keep systems in good condition. Capital Investments 2026 Capital Budget: $121.1 million across 151 projects Focus areas: Roads, pipes, and crossings Parks and recreation upgrades Flood protection and climate resilience Facility improvements Coordination with Metrolinx on the Yonge North Subway Extension Based on an average current value assessment of a single detached residential property: $1,146,000 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.

Committee of the Whole Meeting Wednesday November 19, 2025 at 9:30am Meeting Agenda: Meeting Agenda Watch Council Meeting: City's YouTube  or Livestream Agenda Items Include: Member of Council Events City staff are recommending that Richmond Hill end “Member of Council” events  (individual councillor-hosted events) and replace the existing policy with a new Council Member Fundraising and Event Policy . The change would allow the City to focus more on City-led and community-led events  instead. Why this is being done For over 10 years, councillors have hosted their own events, funded by sponsorships. A recent Festivals and Events Strategy review  showed councillors prefer that resources go toward broader, City-run events instead of individual ones. Council-led events take up staff time, pose risks of conflicts of interest through sponsorships, and may cause confusion about the use of City resources. What will change The current policy (from 2021)  allowing councillors to hold events will be repealed . Starting January 1, 2027 , councillors will: No longer host or fundraise for their own events. Not direct staff to help organize personal events. Instead, direct potential fundraising or event partnerships to City staff. Councillors can still attend, co-host, or MC community organization events , as long as those groups handle all planning and fundraising themselves. Member of Council Expense Policy Review City staff reviewed how councillors spend their annual budgets under the Member of Council Expense Policy .The review was requested by Council in 2023 to make sure the rules are transparent, fair, and align with public expectations . The report finds that overall, councillors’ expenses follow the rules, stay within budget, and are similar to what other GTA municipalities allow. However, staff recommend several updates to strengthen accountability and clarity. Key recommendations To improve clarity, fairness, and accountability, staff recommend that the revised policy should: Set a spending cap  for business meals and hospitality to ensure reasonable costs. Clarify what’s allowed under community expenses  — for example, remove “table prize tickets” from eligible expenses to avoid confusion. Simplify meal per diems  — keep the $75/day maximum but remove separate limits for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Stop using personal credit cards or cheques  — all expenses should go through City-issued payment tools for better tracking. Improve transparency  — standardize monthly reports and explore an online searchable dashboard like Toronto’s. Ban expenses tied to councillor-hosted events , to align with the new Council Member Event and Fundraising Policy (which ends Member-led events in 2027). Define consequences for non-compliance , such as public disclosure, investigation, or referral to the Integrity Commissioner. Traffic Regulation Changes City staff are recommending changes to speed limits, parking rules, and stop sign controls  on several Richmond Hill streets to improve traffic safety and flow. These changes are based on resident requests and technical assessments following provincial and City guidelines. Speed limit changes The default speed limit  in Richmond Hill is 50 km/h. After reviewing safety data and community input, staff recommend reducing speed limits to 40 km/h  on several local roads to improve safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. View Locations here Parking changes Parking restrictions will be adjusted on several streets to improve visibility, emergency access, and pedestrian safety. View Locations here 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.

Council Public Meeting Tuesday November 11, 2025 at 6pm. View Meeting Agenda: Agenda Watch Meeting: Meeting Video On the Agenda: Request for Comments – Zoning By-law Amendment Application - 123 Lawrence Avenue and 186 and 192 Major Mackenzie Drive East The applicants want to build a 40-unit stacked townh ouse development on three properties currently occupied by single detached homes. The proposal includes: Three 4-storey townhouse blocks 10 studio units and 30 one-bedroom units 21 resident parking spaces (no visitor or accessible spaces) 39 bicycle parking spaces A private amenity area between the buildings 📍 Where Northeast corner of Major Mackenzie Drive East and Lawrence Avenue Close to other approved (but not yet built) townhouse developments to the west and south 🏗️ Planning Context The site is within a Protected Major Transit Station Area near Richmond Hill GO Station, where more housing is encouraged The proposal fits the City’s Official Plan for medium-density housing in this area The applicants are asking to rezone the land to allow townhouses, with some exceptions to existing zoning rules (e.g., smaller front yard, higher lot coverage) 📝 City Staff’s Initial Thoughts The proposed use, height, and density generally align with City policies Staff have concerns about: The lack of unit variety (only studios and 1-bedrooms) No visitor or accessible parking A more detailed review will happen during the Site Plan stage 🗂️ What’s Next The City will continue reviewing the application and public feedback A Site Plan application and Condominium Plan will be required later A final recommendation will come to Council at a future date Public Comments:   The public may submit written correspondence regarding agenda matters by email to clerks@richmondhill.ca . Written correspondence must be submitted by 12 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Comments submitted will be provided to all Members of Council, considered as public information and noted in the public record.   Delegations:    No prior registration is required to make an in-person Delegation, but is encouraged. Prior registration is required should the public intend to make an electronic delegation by video conference or telephone. Applications to appear as a delegation must be submitted by 12 p.m. on the day of the meeting by email to clerks@richmondhill.ca  or by using the on-line application form found on Richmondhill.ca . The Office of the Clerk will provide instructions on appearing as a delegation.

Stay Informed with the Oak Ridges Wrap Up Newsletter Read the November 7th edition of the newsletter here: Oak Ridges Wrap Up The Oak Ridges Wrap Up is more than just a newsletter; it’s a vital resource for anyone living in or around Oak Ridges and Richmond Hill. By subscribing, you will stay informed and connected to your community. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of the local conversation. Subscribing is easy! Click the button above to sign up for the Oak Ridges Wrap Up. You will receive regular updates and never miss out on local happenings.

2022 Q4 November 15 - December 31, 2022 Richmond Hill is committed to being transparent and accountable. Members' of Council year-to-date expenditure details are published on a quarterly basis. All of the Council Members' expense reports are posted on the City website here. View Councillor Davidson's 2022 Q4 Expense Report below:

Committee of the Whole Meeting Wednesday November 5, 2025 at 9:30am Meeting Agenda: Revised Meeting Agenda Watch Council Meeting: Meeting Video Recap: All agenda items were moved to next week's Council Meeting. Most of the discussion centred around the AED Motion which passed unanimously after some minor amendments to confirm that at this time registration is not mandatory. Agenda Items Include: Request for Approval – Zoning By-law Amendment Application – 181 and 187 Elgin Mills Road East A request for approval concerning a Zoning By-law Amendment application to permit a medium density residential development comprised of 16 townhouse. The site will be rezoned from R3 (single detached)  to RM1 (townhouse)  with site-specific standards, and also amended under the City’s new Comprehensive Zoning By-law 93-25 . The proposal meets the Official Plan’s Neighbourhood designation , allowing medium-density housing (up to 50 units/ha) and fits with nearby developments along Elgin Mills Road. Public concerns about traffic, density, and compatibility led to design changes, improved layout, added sidewalk, better setbacks, and safer access. Staff say all technical issues have been addressed. Recommendation: Planning staff support the rezoning, saying the project aligns with City policies, provides compatible infill housing, and supports Richmond Hill’s goal of a livable, sustainable community. Member Motion - Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola - Mandatory Registration of AEDs with AED Foundation Ontario Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) save lives during sudden cardiac arrests, but only if people can find them fast. The AED Foundation Ontario keeps a public registry to help first responders and residents locate nearby AEDs in an emergency. Many Richmond Hill businesses and community spaces already have AEDs, but some aren’t yet registered. The Motion is calling on all local establishments to register their AEDs at www.aedfoundationontario.ca and join a community-wide effort to improve emergency response. The motion also asks that the city launch a public awareness campaign and work with the AED Foundation Ontario to keep the city’s AED registry up to date, ensuring that when seconds count, help is close at hand. 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.

The 2026 Draft Budget will be presented at the Budget Committee of the Whole meeting on November 18, 2025 . It will include the operating budget to support the City’s day-to-day services and the capital budget to maintain and build new infrastructure. Every year, Richmond Hill’s budget tells a story, not just about numbers, but about people, priorities, and the kind of community we want to build together. The 2026 Budget  is about investing wisely today so that Richmond Hill continues to be a great place to live, work, and play for generations to come. Your Tax Dollars at Work This year’s budget totals $510 million , with $258 million  dedicated to day-to-day services, like snow clearing, road repairs, parks, and recreation, and $121 million  set aside for capital projects that shape our city’s future. To keep services strong and our infrastructure in good condition, the City is proposing a 3.46% increase  to its portion of the property tax bill. That includes a 1.96% increase  for operating costs and a 1.5% Capital Asset Sustainability Levy , which goes directly toward repairing and renewing the facilities, roads, and parks we all rely on. Based on an average current value assessment of a single detached residential property: $1,146,000 Water and Wastewater and Stormwater Management Rates Along with property taxes, the 2026 Budget includes updated water and stormwater charges  that fund the essential systems keeping clean water flowing and neighbourhoods protected from flooding. The City’s Water and Wastewater Budget  totals $119.5 million , covering the treatment, delivery, and safe disposal of water across Richmond Hill. The Stormwater Management Budget  adds another $12.1 million  to maintain ponds, sewers, and drainage infrastructure that protect homes and roads during heavy rain. In 2026, the average household using 170 cubic metres of water will see a combined increase of about 6.1 per cent for water and wastewater  and 50 per cent for stormwater —equal to roughly $112 more per year . These rate adjustments ensure that the City can continue investing in critical water and stormwater projects, keep systems in good repair, and meet environmental standards that protect our community and the Oak Ridges Moraine for generations to come. Investing in What Matters From improving local parks to expanding community programs, this budget focuses on the things residents value most. Some 2026 highlights include: 151 capital projects  across Richmond Hill, worth $121 million  in total. New amenities  like splash pads and outdoor ice rinks at Bayview Hill Park. Expanded recreation options , including new indoor pickleball courts and more library programs for youth and families. Infrastructure renewal , from roads and trails to facility upgrades, ensuring everything stays safe and in good repair. Smart city investments , such as a new online property tax portal and stronger cybersecurity to protect residents’ information. A City Ready for the Future Richmond Hill continues to grow, we expect more than 25,000 new residents by 2031 , and with that growth comes new opportunities. The 2026 Budget helps the city stay ready by planning ahead, modernizing services, and making decisions that reflect community values. It also continues the City’s commitment to environmental sustainability , with projects like the Lake Wilcox Management Plan update,  an updated Salt Management Plan , and the Valleyland Rehabilitation Master Plan , ensuring our natural spaces are protected for future generations. Working Together Mayor David West describes this year’s budget as “a reflection of our resilience today and our optimism for the future.” It’s a budget built around three simple priorities: Deliver the right services. Maintain and strengthen our infrastructure. Continuously improve how we serve our community. Whether it’s planting trees, fixing roads, or offering 9,800 recreation programs for more than 64,000 residents, every dollar in this budget tells the story of a city working together. Because Richmond Hill isn’t just where we live — it’s our shared home . Learn more about the 2026 Budget at RichmondHill.ca/Budget . Learn how Richmond Hill's budget works.

Photo courtesy of York Region Update November 5, 2025 York Region informed me that the Air Management Facility has been successfully connected to the trunk sewer and is drawing the foul air for treatment. During this early stage, the system is undergoing testing to ensure the facility will meet the Region’s standards of safety, reliability, and performance for many years to come. The testing period will continue over the next two month and the residents and businesses in the Yonge Street and North Lake Road neighborhood can be reassured that the system is active and treating the foul air throughout this period. After years of advocating for action on the horrible odor, I’m pleased to report a noticeable improvement. I’ve personally observed that the smell is finally gone, and it’s a welcome change for our community. Thank you to everyone who helped push for a solution. Update September 3, 2025 York Region has made great progress in getting the new facility up and running, after setbacks with some equipment. Thanks to the hard work of staff, contractors, and vendors, they’ve solved the equipment issues, and they’re on track to begin a 14-day trial run in mid-September. Before the full trial, the facility will go through two preparation steps: Dry run:  The equipment and computer systems will run without treatment material to make sure everything is working properly. Inoculation:  They’ll add special organic material that removes odours. This material will start cleaning the air coming from the Yonge Street sewer. After that, the air will pass through a carbon filter to catch any remaining smells before being released outside. This inoculation step may be repeated a few times until the odour-removing system is working at its best. By carefully testing and preparing the facility, they’re making sure it will deliver reliable, long-term performance for our community. Update June 4, 2025 The Oak Ridges Air Management Facility (ORAMF) is now in the commissioning stage and is undergoing a series of critical and comprehensive checks and balances to ensure it will meet the performance and reliability standards as set out by the Region. The Region’s commissioning process in comprised of several key steps, including : Equipment calibration Equipment start-up testing Functional and network testing 14-day performance testing 45-day operational testing 14-day testing (On Track for July) will signal the start of odorous air being drawn from the large trunk sanitary sewer on Yonge St and treated in a manner representative of the facility’s normal to actively reduce odours. That phase will segue into the final 45-day operational testing phase, during which the system continues to be monitored for performance until final completion in September. Commissioning the ORAMF and treating the odorous air from the YDSS during the upcoming summer months when odours can be most prevalent remains a top priority for the Region. Update March 5, 2025 Since the last update, they have been able to receive and install overhead traveling crane systems. They also received the generator exhaust stack and moving forward with installation of it. Most of the work is now limited to the facility interior where the Region’s contractor continues to progress in preparation for commissioning currently anticipated for Summer 2025. Update January 14, 2025 As you may remember, York Region started building an air management facility near Yonge Street and King Road in the Fall of 2022. This facility aims to eliminate the unpleasant odor that has persisted in the area for years. At this time, the building envelope has been completed and our contractor is working to finalize the internals prior to testing and commissioning the facility. For a detailed update, please see the summary below:          Two items listed above are ongoing as result of market supply shortages and delays – this includes the generator exhaust stack and overhead traveling crane system. These items are well beyond their original scheduled delivery date. To help move these items along, the Region’s contractor and consultant are diligently working with the suppliers.   Testing and commissioning is also behind the schedule mainly due to delay in Hydro connection to the facility which was connected very late last year (Dec 2024).   They are currently aiming to complete the system testing and facility start up by end of April 2025.   They are continuously working to move the project along and commission the facility to resolve the odour concerns in the Oak Ridge’s community. More Info: Oak Ridges Air Management Facility

For the week from Monday October 27 to Sunday November 2, 2025 as reported by York Regional Police. Please note that the data included in this summary is preliminary and is subject to change as investigations are completed. These are not official crime statistics. Visit the York Regional Police (YRP) Community Safety Data Portal  for more information about these crimes and their locations using the Community Safety Map.  You can also learn more about crime trends affecting Richmond Hill using the Crime Trend Dashboards. For additional information on Community Safety, visit: https://www.caroldavidsonoakridges.ca/community-safety

Stay Informed with the Oak Ridges Wrap Up Newsletter Read the October 31st edition of the newsletter here: Oak Ridges Wrap Up The Oak Ridges Wrap Up is more than just a newsletter; it’s a vital resource for anyone living in or around Oak Ridges and Richmond Hill. By subscribing, you will stay informed and connected to your community. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of the local conversation. Subscribing is easy! Click the button above to sign up for the Oak Ridges Wrap Up. You will receive regular updates and never miss out on local happenings.

York Region Council has approved an updated Signs on Regional Roads Bylaw  to help keep our streets safe, uncluttered, and easier to navigate. Over the past year, more than 35,000 illegal signs  were removed from Regional roads, many blocking driver sightlines, cluttering intersections, or creating hazards for pedestrians and maintenance crews. Managing these signs has become costly and time-consuming, and the rules needed an update. What’s Changing The updated bylaw takes a balanced approach , protecting public safety and infrastructure while allowing space for advertising and community expression. Key updates include: ✅ Clearer rules  for business, real estate, development, and election signs ✅ Designated intersections only  – about 700 locations across York Region (see map below) ✅ New limits  on sign sizes and quantities ✅ Permit stickers  required on all approved signs ✅ Higher permit fees  to better cover enforcement costs Why It Matters These changes will help: Keep intersections clear and safe for drivers and pedestrians Reduce visual clutter and sign “pollution” Protect infrastructure like sidewalks, bus stops, and utilities Ensure fair and consistent rules across all municipalities Working Together York Region worked closely with local municipalities, businesses, real estate groups, and residents  to develop these changes. The Region will continue outreach and education to help everyone understand where and how signs can be placed safely and legally Read more: York Region Staff Report What about the City's Sign Bylaw? The City is currently reviewing its Sign By-law. Council did enacted an amendment to the Sign By-law, to update Election Sign requirements. Sign By-law Amendment No. 126-23 updated definitions, placement and size and quantity restrictions surrounding election signs. Read More: Richmond Hill Sign Bylaw