Working Together to Reduce Fire and Carbon Monoxide Deaths

Enbridge Gas partners with Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services through Safe Community Project Zero

RICHMOND HILL, ON, November 6, 2024 – Enbridge Gas Inc. and Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services (RHFES) have teamed up through Safe Community Project Zero to help eliminate fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths in Ontario.

RHFES received 432 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as part of the program, which, in collaboration with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC), will distribute over 14,500 alarms to high-risk residents in 75 Ontario communities. Enbridge Gas has invested $450,000 this year, continuing its 16-year support, which has supplied over 101,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments.

“Carbon monoxide alarms are vital as a second line of defense against this silent killer,” said Rodney Smallwood, Operations Supervisor, Enbridge Gas. “We’re proud to support Ontario communities and increase awareness to keep people safe.”

Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chair of FMPFSC, emphasized the project’s focus on delivering these life-saving devices to the most vulnerable communities: “Every Ontario home with a fuel-burning appliance or attached garage needs a working carbon monoxide alarm.”

About RHFES
Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services is a full-time career department dedicated to safeguarding residents and visitors through fire prevention, education, and emergency response.

Learn more at RichmondHill.ca/Fire or connect with us on social media @RHFES

About Enbridge Gas
Enbridge Gas is Canada’s largest natural gas company, providing energy to nearly 3.9 million customers. Enbridge continues to innovate for a lower-carbon energy future.

for more information Visit: enbridgegas.com

About Richmond Hill’s 2025 Budget

Photo taken from: https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/find-or-learn-about/Budget.aspx

Richmond Hill’s 2025 budget reflects the city’s new vision of “A Vibrant and Inclusive Community of Neighbours” and aligns with the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. It includes both the Capital and Operating Budgets, covering water, wastewater, and stormwater services. Learn how your tax dollars are spent on the My City at Work page. The City’s budget is your budget.

The City’s annual budget impacts our everyday lives. Learn about Budget 2025 at an open house on November 6, 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the McConaghy Centre, 10100 Yonge Street.

To see upcoming 2025 Budget council and Committee Meetings visit: https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/find-or-learn-about/Budget.aspx

WHERE SHOULD E-BIKES AND E-SCOOTERS BE ALLOWED IN RICHMOND HILL?

photo taken from: Micromobility – City of Richmond Hill

Share your thoughts for a chance to win a prize!

Richmond Hill – Richmond Hill is gathering public feedback through an online survey to help inform its upcoming Micromobility Strategy.

The strategy will guide decisions on regulating the use of micromobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters on roads, trails and parks, as well as investigate cycling on sidewalks.

Take the survey and tell us what you think – deadline on November 12

Community input is important to us to help shape the future of micromobility in Richmond Hill! The online survey is open to all Richmond Hill residents until November 12 at RichmondHill.ca/Micromobility. Fill out the survey and enter the draw for a chance to win one of three $25 gift cards.

Micromobility generally refers to a variety of lightweight devices, that are usually electric, including the more common e-bikes and e-scooters. As micromobility increases in popularity due to its convenience, affordability and low environmental impact, it is important that the City establishes regulations and guidelines both to ensure safety in public spaces and allow for more sustainable modes of travel.

The Micromobility Strategy is one of the components in the City’s Transportation Master Plan to address safety, enforcement and education related to micromobility vehicles in our city.

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.

Regional Automated Speed Enforcement

Automated speed enforcement (ASE) is a system that uses a camera and speed measurement device to enforce speed limits. If a vehicle exceeds the speed limit in an ASE-enforced area, the system captures the image and it is reviewed by a provincial offences officer. The ticket, which contains a digitized copy of the image and an enlargement of the license plate, is sent only by mail to the registered plate holder. Tickets are not communicated through text or emails.

When an ASE camera is in the area, vehicle operating speeds are reduced by approximately 10 km/hr and speed limit compliance increases by approximately 25%.

Based on the positive results of the current ASE program and the introduction of a Regional administrative penalty system, Regional Council approved expanding the program to an additional 60 fixed ASE cameras. These cameras will be located throughout York Region between 2024 and 2026, with 20 of them being installed by the end of 2024.

Regional ASE cameras are only authorized for use in school areas and community safety zones. ASE warning signs were installed in June 2024 and were in place for a minimum of 90 days before camera activation. Signs are replaced with camera in-use signs when ASE is activated.

A map and a list of the York Region ASE locations is available here. Additional ASE locations may be operated by the nine local cities and towns.

For more information, visit york.ca/transportation/traffic/automated-speed-enforcement

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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.

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