Celebrate Richmond Hill’s Inspiring Volunteers

Photo Taken from: Volunteer Achievement Awards – City of Richmond Hill

Volunteers are the heart of Richmond Hill, bringing energy and passion to make our community a better place. Do you know someone who deserves recognition for their dedication? Nominate them for the 2025 Volunteer Achievement Awards!

For 58 years, this biennial event has honored outstanding contributions to our city. Join us this April during National Volunteer Week as we celebrate individuals, organizations, and groups that help make Richmond Hill vibrant and inclusive.

Nomination Categories Include:

• Volunteer Achievement Awards (Multiple Recipients)
• Youth Volunteer Achievement Award (One Recipient)
• Senior Volunteer Achievement Award (One Recipient)
• Naim Malik Award for the Promotion of Intercultural Friendships (One Recipient)
• Community Organization of the Year Award (One Recipient)
• Citizen of the Year Award (One Recipient)

We also recognize clubs and organizations marking milestone anniversaries—10, 15, 20, or 25+ years of service to the community—with a special Milestone Anniversary Certificate.

Submit Your Nominations by Friday, November 15, 2024!

Don’t miss the chance to spotlight those who make a difference in Richmond Hill. Nominate someone today and help us celebrate our community champions!

For more information visit: RichmondHill.ca/VolunteerAwards

Richmond Hill Small Business Week: October 19-25

Photo Taken from: Micromobility – City of Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill– Calling all Richmond Hill small business owners! Celebrate Small Business Week with a series of free, expert-led webinars, workshops, and events tailored to help you grow your business. From networking opportunities with local leaders to practical sessions on finance, personal branding, and more, there’s something for every entrepreneur. Featured sessions include the Small Business Marketplace, a Teen Community Leaders Program, and the Entrepreneurship Finance Conference. Join one or all events, hosted by the Richmond Hill Small Business Enterprise Centre in partnership with Ontario.

For more information and to register for any of the workshops visit: RichmondHill.ca/SBW.

Micromobility Strategy in Richmond Hill

Photo Taken from: Micromobility – City of Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill is developing a comprehensive Micromobility Strategy to better regulate the use of micromobility devices and sidewalk cycling. Currently, there are only limited by-laws in place for these activities, which has highlighted the need for clear guidelines and regulations across both on-road and off-road facilities.

This initiative, recommended by the Transportation Master Plan, aims to address critical issues such as safety, resident feedback, education, enforcement, and more.

Get Involved

Public Information Centers

We invite you to participate in our upcoming Public Information Centers to learn more about the Micromobility Strategy and share your feedback.

Please note that registration is required only for virtual attendance. While in-person participation is encouraged, virtual attendees will have the opportunity to listen to the presentation and submit comments via chat.

for more information visit: Micromobility – City of Richmond Hill

York Region advances Paramedic Services Plan

Tuesday September 24, 2024

Newmarket – “York Region is dedicated to delivering top-tier paramedic care for our residents,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “The advancements outlined in the Paramedic Services Master Plan showcase our commitment to addressing increasing demand and ensuring timely responses.”

Key Achievements:

Resources:

• Added four ambulances and 21,840 weekly ambulance hours.
• Hired 68 full-time equivalent staff.

New Stations:

• Completed a new station in Markham, ensuring equitable response times across the region.
• Planning two new stations in Vaughan and one in Georgina.
• Planning replacement stations in East Gwillimbury and Aurora.

Innovative Programs and Partnerships:

• Launched the Improving Patient Access and Care in the Community Program (April 2024), integrating paramedics into the broader health care system to provide on-scene treatment, discharge patients on-site, and transport to non-hospital locations.
• Installed anti-idling technology in ambulances, saving $360,000 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 226 tonnes since 2020.
• Introducing York Region’s first electric ambulance by the end of 2024.

“Paramedic Services continues to seek innovative and efficient ways to enhance services, ensuring we meet the needs of our community where and when they need us most,” said Vaughan Regional Councillor Gino Rosati, Chair of Community and Health Services. “By maintaining a long-term plan, we anticipate challenges and develop strategies to address them.”

An updated Master Plan for 2026 to 2031 will be presented to Regional Council in 2026, incorporating insights from the new Medical Priority Dispatch System, set to be implemented by the Ministry of Health in November 2024. This system will enhance paramedic resource deployment and prioritize patient care, without affecting overall response times.

For more information on Paramedic Services, visit: york.ca/Paramedics.

The Regional Municipality of York serves nine local municipalities, providing essential services to over 1.25 million residents and 57,000 businesses.

Learn more at: york.ca/RegionalServices.

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York Region Transit senior fare

Currently, York Region Transit (YRT) does not offer free transit for seniors, but provides a senior fare of $2.45 with PRESTO, a 44% discount from the regular cash fare. This fare includes a two-hour transfer window and free transfers to other transit providers (Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, GO Transit, and TTC).

After completing 28 trips in a month using PRESTO, all remaining YRT trips are free for seniors.

As part of the 2024-2027 Plan to Support Seniors, feedback showed that fares are not the primary concern for seniors; however, they suggested additional supports for those in need.

YRT offers several programs for seniors, including:

Accessible Transit Services: YRT provides accessible transit options, including kneeling buses, ramps, slip-resistant floors, and priority seating.

Support Person Assistance Card: Allows a support person to ride free with eligible seniors.

Discounted Senior Fare: Seniors 65+ receive discounted fares and can ride free after 28 trips per month using PRESTO.

On-Request 65+: Provides on-demand transit for seniors within 5 kilometers of their homes.

Mobility On-Request: A shared, accessible transit service for eligible individuals with disabilities.

MyRide Travel Training: Assists customers of all ages with skills to navigate YRT independently.

On-Request App: Available on App Store and Google Play, this app allows seniors to book on-demand rides. Visityrt.ca/OnRequestApp, call 1-866-MOVE-YRT (668-3978), or chat live atyrt.ca/LiveChat for details.

Share Your Input on the Richmond Green Revitalization!

Online Survey Open Until July 9

RICHMOND HILL – The City of Richmond Hill wants your feedback on Richmond Green, our premier sports and events park. Help shape its future by taking our survey.

About Richmond Green Located at 1300 Elgin Mills Road East, the park features a sports centre, soccer dome, skateboarding park, bocce and pickleball courts, skate trail, baseball diamonds, the Boynton House Art Exhibition Space, Tom Graham Arena, and more.

Richmond Green Revitalization Master Plan We’re developing a plan to:

• Maintain it as our largest sports and events venue
• Promote sustainable horticulture
• Enhance park connections and signage
• Increase tree canopy and shade
• Foster community pride and belonging

Take the Survey Complete the survey from home or at the park by July 9, 2024, at RichmondHill.ca/RichmondGreen.

This project is part of the 2022 Parks Plan to enhance our city parks. Learn more at RichmondHill.ca/ParksPlan.

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Staying Safe During the First Heat Event of the Season in York Region

Jun 17, 2024

Risk Groups:

• Infants, children, seniors, and people with chronic diseases are at risk of heat-related illnesses.

Signs of Heat Illness:

• Common signs include dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

Precautions:

1. Talk to Your Employer:
   • If you’re spending time outside in the heat, discuss any concerns with your employer.
2. Stay Indoors:
   • Close blinds and stay in cool, well-ventilated areas indoors.
3. Visit Local Places:
   • If you don’t have air conditioning at home, consider visiting local libraries, community centers, or public pools.
4. Check Cooling Centers:
   • Contact your local municipalities to find out about cooling centers and services available.
5. Protect Yourself Outdoors:
   • Wear sunscreen, light-colored, loose-fitted clothing, and a hat.
   • Take frequent breaks in the shade.
6. Look Out for Others:
   • Check on family, friends, and neighbors who may need extra support during the heat.
   • Never leave people or pets in a parked car.

Emergency:

• Heat stroke is a medical emergency; call 911.
• While waiting for assistance, cool the person by applying water to their skin.

Stay safe and hydrated! 😊

Make a Splash this Summer – Work at the Wave Pool!

RICHMOND HILL INFRASTRUCTURE AND ASSETS IN GOOD SHAPE

City’s Asset Management Plan Ensures Future Maintenance and Repairs

Jun 6, 2024

York Region Population Exceeds 1.25 Million, Highest Annual Growth Since 2018

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Revitalizing Richmond Hill’s Iconic Mill Pond Park: A Sustainable Transformation

Richmond Hill’s Mill Pond Park set for a vibrant transformation! Council greenlights sustainable upgrades, including new trails, amenities, and ecological enhancements. Highlights include a boardwalk, pedestrian bridge, meadow area, and improved facilities. Stay updated at RichmondHill.ca/MillPondProject.

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Good News: Project Blaze Returns!

Register Now

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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!

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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.

Sign Up Now

Highway 404 Road Crossing Improvement: Construction Notice

Apr 22, 2024

Highway 404 Road Crossing Improvement Project in Markham and Richmond Hill. Expect lane closures and night work until fall 2024. Orlando Avenue, Markland Street, and Cachet Woods will undergo widening and extension. Traffic shifts and lane closures will occur. Noise and disruptions may happen. Access to homes and businesses will be maintained. Weather may affect scheduling.

For more information, please visit Highway 404 Road Crossing Improvement Project | York Region.

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.

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