Richmond Hill News
🏓 Pickleball Court Relining Survey – Have Your Say! 🏓
Exciting news! The City of Richmond Hill is looking for YOUR input on relining the pickleball courts at Oak Ridges Lions Club Park (80 Red Cardinal Trail) and Russell Farm Park (290 Bantry Avenue).
📅 Survey Period: January 22 – February 5
🔗 Survey Link: RichmondHill.ca/Pickleball
We want to know what YOU think about these potential upgrades. Your feedback will help us make sure the changes align with what our awesome community wants. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just love a casual game, we want to hear from you!
Ready to share your thoughts? Click the link and make your voice heard! Let’s make these pickleball courts the best they can be!
Thanks for being a part of our community’s growth and improvement. 🌟
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.
What Are You Doing on Wednesday?
>> Walk this way to more fitness opportunities
Have Your Say on Mill Pond Park’s Renewal
>> Provide feedback on the Mill Pond plans
Winter Waste Collection Reminders
>> Other ways you can help
Enjoy Some Outdoor Fun this Winter
>> What you need to know before you go
Honoring the Memory of PS 752 Victims – Four Years Later
Jan 8, 2024
Today, January 8, 2024, we solemnly remember the tragic incident that unfolded four years ago when Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was shot down just minutes after taking off from Tehran, Iran. Among the 176 lives lost, 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents were part of this national tragedy.
As a community, our thoughts are with the families and loved ones who continue to navigate the pain and grief caused by this devastating event. Canada’s commitment remains unwavering, focusing on seeking answers, pursuing justice, and holding Iran accountable for this heartbreaking violation of international law.
Canada, in collaboration with international partners such as Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, forms the International Coordination and Response Group for PS752. Together, we are tirelessly working to provide support to the families, coordinate legal efforts, and demand a full, transparent, and credible explanation from Iran regarding the downing of Flight 752.
Our collective pursuit is aimed at ensuring that the affected families and loved ones receive the answers and justice they rightfully deserve. As we reflect on this somber anniversary, let us stand together in solidarity, remembering the lives lost and supporting one another.
For more information and updates, please visit Canada’s response to Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 tragedy.
Watch 4th Anniversary of the Downing of Flight – 8 Jan 2024
With deepest condolences,
Joe DiPaola – Regional Councillor
🌟 TAMILICIOUS: Celebrating Tamil Heritage Month 2024 in Canada 🍁
Picture from: https://markhampubliclibrary.ca/blogs/post/celebrate-tamil-heritage-month/
January in Canada marks the proud celebration of Tamil Heritage Month—an occasion for all Canadians to embrace the rich history, culture, resilience, and strength embodied by Tamil communities nationwide.
👥 Experience the vibrant contributions of Tamils to Canada’s diverse tapestry during the 15th Annual Tamil Heritage Month. Explore the culinary journey, from workshops to celebratory events and educational projects. Learn more on their website.
🍽️ Embrace the flavors, traditions, and stories that make Tamil Heritage Month a truly special occasion in Canada. #TamilHeritageMonth #AMILICIOUS2024 🇨🇦
York Region News
Yonge North Subway Extension Open House – January 25, 2024
Date: Thursday, January 25, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Langstaff Community Centre – Yorkshore Room: 155 Red Maple Drive, Richmond Hill ON L4B 4P9
On January 25, 2024, Metrolinx will host an open house to share updates about the Yonge North Subway Extension.
Topics will include:
- Recent procurement milestones;
- completion of early works at Finch Station; and,
- next steps for the project.
Unlock the Power of Community Safety Data with York Regional Police
Jan 16, 2024
Date: Friday, January 26, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Location: Zoom
Discover, Learn, and Empower: Join the YRP Training Academy
Curious about policing in your community? Want to actively contribute to crime prevention efforts? Don’t miss the opportunity to train with York Regional Police and navigate the Community Safety Data Portal effectively.
Key Benefits:
- Gain insights into local policing initiatives
- Learn how to contribute to a safer neighborhood
- Understand the power of community data in crime prevention
Register Now to Secure Your Spot and Empower Your Community!
Learn more about the event and the York Regional Police Community Safety Data Portal on Event Page.
Empowering Safer Communities: York Regional Police 2024 Budget Overview
York Regional Council approves 2024 police budget. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Operating Budget:
- Approved Amount: $410.1 million, marking a 4.6 percent increase over the 2023 budget.
- Staff Addition: Forty-six additional staff members are included in the budget to support various initiatives, including safer communities, innovation, continuous improvement, inclusion and belonging, and recruitment and retention.
- Community-Focused Initiatives: Additional staffing aims to address community needs such as enhancing public safety, addressing crime trends, embedding peer support, and supporting service delivery.
- Policing Cost per Capita: The 2024 Police Operating Budget maintains the lowest policing cost per capita in Canada among the top ten national municipalities.
Capital Budget:
- Approved Amount: $30.5 million, with capital spending authority for multiple-year projects reaching $36.1 million.
- Allocation of Funds:
- $7.1 million for information technology.
- $7.7 million for vehicles and specialty vehicles.
- $4.3 million for specialized and communication equipment.
- $11.3 million for facilities, primarily for a new substation in Vaughan, a new aircraft hangar for AIR2 helicopter, and renovations of existing facilities.
- Financing Sources: The capital budget is financed through a combination of reserves, debenture proceeds repaid from development charges, debt reduction reserve funding, development charge collections, and external funding.
Approval and Timing:
- Police Services Board: The 2024 net Operating Budget and Capital Budget were approved by the Police Services Board.
- York Regional Council: The York Regional Council gave its approval for the York Regional Police 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets in December 2023.
Read More from YRP Website
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.
Earn free rides by paying with PRESTO
Enjoy York Region Transit (YRT) monthly pass benefits without having to pay in advance! Starting Monday, January 1, 2024, travellers can ride YRT for free after 40 trips for adults, 39 trips for youth or 28 trips for seniors and children every calendar month through YRT’s new fare capping program. Learn more at Earn Free YRT Rides by Paying with PRESTO.
Public transportation service changes scheduled for Sunday, January 7, 2024.
- Reinstating High School Special routes suspended during two-week holiday closure
- Restructuring Route 26 Maple to provide two-way service north of Major Mackenzie Drive; service will be extended to Maple GO Station and midday service will be discontinued
- Discontinuing Route 98E Yonge (Limited Express) to match service levels with ridership demand on Yonge Street and to avoid duplication of service; customers can continue using Viva blue, 98 and 99 Yonge
- Extending Route 165 Weston to service Major Mackenzie West Terminal and discontinuing Route 165F; customers can continue using Route 21 Vellore
- Extending On-Request Keswick to service the new Multi-use Recreation Facility
Visit yrt.ca/servicechanges to review changes that may affect your travel plans.
Provincial Regulatory Updates
Jan 19, 2024
Open for Comment
- The Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery is considering a proposal for a new regulation under the At Your Service Act. The regulation would give businesses more predictability around Provincial permit and license service timelines, service standards, performance targets and result measuring. For more information regarding the proposal, or to submit a comment, please use the first hyperlink. Comments can be submitted until February 12, 2024.
- The Ministry of Infrastructure and the Ministry of the Attorney General are considering potential regulatory amendments under the Construction Act. The proposal would prescribe surety bonding requirements for large public infrastructure projects that are not Public-Private Partnerships (P3s). For more information regarding the proposal, or to submit a comment, please use the first hyperlink. Comments can be submitted until March 1, 2024.
- The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has released a proposal regarding Building Code Amendments to expand provisions of Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction. If approved, these amendments would allow for an expanded use of mass timber construction, facilitate faster construction, reduce on site disruption and have environmental benefits. Please use the link to the National Public Review to submit your comments, which can be found here. Comments can be submitted until February 16, 2024.
Bulletins and Decisions
- The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has released a bulletin regarding the finalization for recovery strategies on four species at risk (the Hudsonian Godwit, the Small and Large Lake Whitefish, the Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee) and initiating pre-consultation on government response statements. Surveys to each of these species can be found via the hyperlink, and can be submitted until February 15, 2024.
- The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has also released a decision regarding TSMJC’s permit to take water (No. P-300-1222748758). This decision renews their permit to take water from two Richmond Hill wells for the purpose of building maintenance dewatering. For more information, please access the hyperlink.