Honoring Women’s Contributions: March as Women’s History Month
March, designated as Women’s History Month, shines a spotlight on the significant contributions women have made throughout history and within society.
🌟 Celebrate International Women’s Day with Us in Richmond Hill! 🌟
🌟 Join us in Richmond Hill from March 4-8 for “Empowering Women through Entrepreneurship” – a week of free sessions supporting women entrepreneurs! From financial modeling to social media strategies, we’ve got you covered. Open to all who champion women’s empowerment. Learn more & register at RichmondHill.ca/IWD. #IWD2024 #RichmondHill #WomenEntrepreneurs 🚀
Upgrading Humber Flats Stormwater Management Facility – Public Review 🌊🏡
Mar 25, 2024
Richmond Hill has finished studying how to upgrade Humber Flats Stormwater Management Facility, reducing flood risks for nearby homes. Here’s the plan:
- Replace old culvert under Humberland Drive with 3 new, wider ones.
- Clean and expand the wet pond for better stormwater treatment.
- Some regrading to retire old filter pads.
Detailed design starts in 2025. Public review of findings and recommendations is open until April 26, 2024, on RichmondHill.ca/HumberFlatsEA. Check it out and share your thoughts! 🌊🏡
Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival on now
Tap into spring with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s annual Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival on now!
Enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities and maple syrup demonstrations every weekend and throughout March Break, until Sunday, April 7, 2024!
Date: Saturday, March 9, to Sunday, April 7, 2024, weekends, and March Break
Locations: Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Drive in Vaughan AND
Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park, 3291 Stouffville Road in Stouffville
Parking: Parking is available onsite for an additional fee.
Information: Please visit www.maplesyrupfest.com for a listing of events, fees, hours of operation and more.
Good News: Project Blaze Returns!
Get Your Free 2024 Lake Wilcox Parking Pass!
Starting April 1st, pay parking begins at Lake Wilcox Park until September 30th. Don’t miss out on your chance for a free 2024 parking permit for the park and Oak Ridges Community Centre. Last year’s permits have expired, so make sure to grab your new one at Parking.RichmondHill.ca to avoid a parking ticket.
For non-residents and those without permits, parking fees apply. Rates are $4 per hour at the Oak Ridges Community Centre, skate park, and north gravel lots, and $7 per hour at the main parking lot near the Lake Wilcox splash pad.
Lake Wilcox Park, a premier destination in Richmond Hill, offers stunning waterfront views and family-friendly amenities. Pay parking ensures visitors from outside the city contribute to park upkeep.
To ease traffic, consider carpooling during spring and summer. Weekend parking on nearby streets is restricted to residents and their guests with permits. Permit parking is also enforced seven days a week on certain streets.
For more info and to get your free permit, visit RichmondHill.ca/Parking or contact the Parking team at 905-771-8860 or Parking@RichmondHill.ca. Let’s keep Lake Wilcox Park accessible for everyone!
Confirmed Measles Case Investigation in York Region: Public Health Advisory
Mar 1, 2024
York Region Public Health investigating a confirmed measles case | York Region
York Region Public Health is investigating a confirmed case of measles in a male in his 30s with no recent travel or contact history. The source of infection is unknown. Public advised to check vaccination status and watch for symptoms if exposed at specific locations:
- Melt N Dip Restaurant 1018 Eglinton Ave. E. #4, Mississauga on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Mackenzie Health Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital (Main Waiting Area) Emergency Department 3200 Major Mackenzie Dr. W., Vaughan on Monday February 26, 2024, from approximately 2:40 p.m. to 4:55 p.m.
- Vellore Medical Clinic 10395 Weston Rd, Woodbridge on Monday, February 26, 2024, from approximately 12:10 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
If you were present at the mentioned times and locations and were with an infant under 6 months of age or are immunocompromised, please call York Region Public Health 1 877-464-9675 immediately as you may be eligible for preventive treatment.
YRPH advises anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus to do the following:
- Confirm that they and their family members have two doses of measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV); those born before 1970 would likely have had measles illness as a child and are protected
- If you develop symptoms, stay home and do not attend work or school; call your health care professional before going to be seen to inform them that you may have measles and require additional precautions; you may also call Access York at 1-877-464-9675 (TTY at 1-866-512-6228)
Elgin Mills Road Improvements Study: Online Open House
The Regional Municipality of York is currently conducting a Schedule ‘C’ Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Study in the City of Richmond Hill for the enhancement of Elgin Mills Road between Yonge Street and Newkirk Road. This study includes proposals for a new bridge and the segregation of rail traffic from road traffic.
Join Our Online Open House:
Date: View materials anytime from Monday, March 11, 2024, to Monday, April 1, 2024
Location: Visit york.ca/ElginMillsStudy to access online open house materials.
Purpose:
Participate in the second online open house to gain insights into the study’s progress, findings, available design options, and the recommended design for separating road and train tracks.
Provide Your Feedback:
Share your comments and insights through the online open house platform or send them to transportation@york.ca by Monday, April 1, 2024.
Access to Information:
Online materials and an accessible version of this notice are available upon request.
Important Note:
This study is being conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. Personal information provided (such as name, address, and phone number) will be collected, maintained, and disclosed under the authority of the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This is done for transparency and consultation purposes. Your personal information will become part of the public record unless you explicitly request confidentiality.
Date of Issuance:
This notice was issued by YORK REGION TRANSPORTATION, PUBLIC WORKS on Friday, March 1, 2024.
🌟 APPLY NOW: 2024 Community & Cultural Grants 🌟
Join Us for a Virtual Info Session on March 12!
Calling all Richmond Hill residents and organizations! Apply for grants up to $5,000 to support your events and projects showcasing our city’s diverse culture. Learn more and RSVP for our Zoom session on March 12 at RichmondHill.ca/CommunityGrants. Apply by April 3! 🎉
Enhance Your Waste Management Practices Today!
Before tossing items in the garbage or recycling bin, consider these eco-friendly practices to minimize waste and maximize recycling efforts in your home:
• Prioritize Reducing and Reusing: By reducing our consumption and reusing items whenever possible, we can significantly decrease the volume of waste produced.
• Sort Your Waste Efficiently: Ensure that food scraps and paper products like tissue and paper towels are properly disposed of in the organics container. Before tossing recyclables, remember to empty and lightly rinse food containers to enhance the recycling process.
• Say No to Single-Use Plastics: Take a stand against single-use plastics by avoiding banned plastic items. Opt for reusable alternatives such as refillable water bottles and travel mugs for your beverages. .
Ready to make a positive impact on waste management? Visit our city’s waste disposal guide to learn more: Richmond Hill Waste Management Guide
Join us in giving Richmond Hill a spring cleaning!
We’re thrilled to invite all members of our community to participate in Clean Up, Green Up Weeks from April 19 to May 3. It’s an opportunity for us to come together and protect our natural environment by volunteering to tidy up our neighborhoods.
Residents, businesses, community groups, and schools are encouraged to join hands during this period to help clear away litter that has accumulated over the winter in parks, trails, boulevards, and other public spaces.
When you register your group, we’ll provide you with gloves, garbage and recycling bags, and ensure the collection of filled bags. Let’s work together to surpass last year’s achievements, where 12,000 volunteers cleaned up 145 streets and pathways, along with over 100 parks and natural areas in our community!
Let’s make 2024 another landmark year for our community by keeping Richmond Hill safe and clean for everyone. Register online at RichmondHill.ca/CleanUpWeeks before Sunday, April 7.
For more information, visit RichmondHill.ca/CleanUpWeeks. Together, let’s make a difference!
211 Support: Tackling Affordability and Emergencies
Navigating Challenges Together: Use 2-1-1 for Support in Affordability and Emergencies. Canada’s largest database connects you to shelter, food, mental health, financial counseling, and safety information during crises. Call 211 or visit https://211ontario.ca/search/ for assistance.
Sign Up for E-Billing in Richmond Hill Today
Did you know? Richmond Hill now offers e-billing for your water bill. Sign up today to view current and past bills.
Ontario’s One Fare Program: Seamless Transit Connections
Starting February 26, 2024, enjoy free transfers connecting TTC, YRT, GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, and MiWay. Use your PRESTO card, credit, debit, or PRESTO in Google Wallet.
This initiative aligns with the shared goal of the province, municipal transit systems, and Metrolinx for integrated fares, making cross-boundary travel more affordable and simplifying your transit experience.
Participating systems include TTC, YRT, GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, and MiWay, addressing double fares for cross-boundary TTC trips.
How It Works:
- Use PRESTO card, credit, debit, or PRESTO in Google Wallet.
- PRESTO applies a 100% discount.
- Enjoy a two-hour transfer window on YRT and three hours on GO Transit.
Note: Complete your trip within the specified time to avoid fines or charges.
Join the Centennial Celebration of York Regional Forest!
Celebrating 100 Years of York Regional Forest! Join us in a year-long festivity with free activities like exhibits, a photo contest, guided walks, and Family Day events. Embrace nature’s beauty and our commitment to conservation.
Learn more at https://www.york.ca/newsroom/campaigns-projects/celebrating-100-years-york-regional-forest.
Winter Weather Alert: Heavy Snow Warning for Vaughan, Markham, and Richmond Hill on Jan. 12-13 – Travel Caution Advised by Environment Canada
Jan 12, 2024
A Winter Weather Travel Advisory has been issued by Environment Canada for Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and southern York Region, starting from Friday night and extending into Saturday (January 12-13).
Learn more about winter maintenance activities:
Thank you for your patience, and please stay warm and safe.
YRT On-Request Service Changes Effective January 15, 2024
Exciting changes are coming to YRT On-Request services on January 15, 2024:
- Route Adjustments:
- East Gwillimbury GO replaced by On-Request Holland Landing.
- Holland Landing now serves East Gwillimbury GO on weekdays (5:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.) and Saturdays (8 a.m. – 11 p.m.).
- Keswick extended to the new Multi-use Recreation Complex.
- Southern Boundary Adjustment:
- On-Request Newmarket Local’s southern boundary will be adjusted.
For details, visit yrt.ca/ServiceChanges.
Enhanced YRT On-Request App:
- New Services Added:
- Book rides for Holland Landing, Keswick, Kleinburg-Nashville, Newmarket Local, Richmond Hill Local, and Stouffville.
- Existing services areas also available.
- Round Trip Booking:
- YRT On-Request App allows round trip bookings between home and preselected locations.
- App Availability:
- Free on the App Store and Google Play.
- Transition Plan:
- Use the Mobility On-Request App for remaining areas.
- Integration into the new app by spring/summer 2024.
For app details, visit yrt.ca/OnRequestApp.
York Region Approves Comprehensive $4.2 Billion Budget for 2024
December 22,2023
In a strategic move to address both operational and capital needs, York Regional Council has approved a combined budget of $4.2 billion for 2024, encompassing a $3.2 billion operating budget and a $1 billion capital budget. Aligned with York Region’s four Strategic Plan priorities, key highlights include:
Foster Economic Prosperity:
- Investing $368 million in roads and transit infrastructure for growth and asset maintenance
- Building 269 km of fibre, facilitating high-speed internet in rural areas
- Planning for a $1.12 billion capital contribution to the Yonge North Subway Extension
Support Community Well-being:
- Constructing 97 new community housing units and advancing 400 more
- Enhancing Paramedic Services with 14 new, 28 replacement vehicles, and two response stations
- Supporting community safety with the Administrative Penalty Tribunal program and camera-based enforcement
Drive Environmental Stewardship:
- Investing $370 million in water and wastewater infrastructure for growth and renewal
- Planting 70,000 trees to combat climate change and enhance green spaces
- Accelerating bus fleet electrification with federal support
Efficiently Deliver Trusted Services:
- Maintaining 4,388 lane-kilometres of urban and rural roads
- Advancing digital transformation for improved service delivery
- Implementing the new Administrative Penalty Tribunal program for streamlined processes
This comprehensive budget, part of an $11.6 billion 10-year capital plan, addresses both short-term and long-term infrastructure needs, with 65% dedicated to growth-related projects and the remainder for maintaining existing assets.
The Regional Municipality of York, with nine local cities and towns, serves over 1.2 million residents and 55,600 businesses. Learn more about key service areas at york.ca/regionalservices.
Read More About Regional Budgets: For a detailed breakdown and further insights into York Region’s 2024 budgets, visit https://www.york.ca/york-region/finances/budgets. Stay informed about how these allocations will shape our community’s future.
Appreciation Message from Regional Councillor Joe DiPaola
I want to sincerely thank you for re-electing me as your Regional Councillor.
I am only here because of you, those who voted and volunteered for me. I cannot thank you enough!
I am sincerely grateful and honored to once again be able to work for the city I love and residents of my community.
Sincerely,
Regional Councillor Joe DiPaola