In June 2024, celebrate the vibrant cultures and contributions of Caribbean Americans, immigrants, Black musicians, and the LGBTQ+ community during Caribbean-American Heritage Month, National Immigrant Heritage Month, Black Music Month, and Pride Month, fostering understanding, appreciation, and a sense of belonging for all.
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.
Staying Safe During the First Heat Event of the Season in York Region
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:
- Talk to Your Employer:
- If you’re spending time outside in the heat, discuss any concerns with your employer.
- Stay Indoors:
- Close blinds and stay in cool, well-ventilated areas indoors.
- Visit Local Places:
- If you don’t have air conditioning at home, consider visiting local libraries, community centers, or public pools.
- Check Cooling Centers:
- Contact your local municipalities to find out about cooling centers and services available.
- Protect Yourself Outdoors:
- Wear sunscreen, light-colored, loose-fitted clothing, and a hat.
- Take frequent breaks in the shade.
- 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! 😊
Regional Councillor DiPaola Mill Pond Community BBQ – Jun 15
Join us for an unforgettable day of community celebration at the Regional Councillor DiPaola Mill Pond Community BBQ on June 15th!
Hosted by Regional Councillor Joe DiPaola, this summer bash promises fun for the whole family amidst the scenic beauty of Mill Pond Park.
Indulge in delicious burgers (your choice of Veggie, Chicken or Beef) exclusively for residents, alongside live music, engaging kids’ activities, face painting, and much more!
- Date: June 15, 2024
- Time: 12:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
- Location: Mill Pond Park – 321 Mill St, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 4B5
Thank you for your overwhelming response to our Free Burgers Ticket offer! We’re thrilled to announce that all available slots have been filled. Regrettably, we are no longer accepting sign-ups for complimentary burgers. However, we welcome you to stay connected by signing up to receive updates on our upcoming events and newsletters.
Don’t miss out on our exciting event featuring live music, entertainment, and an opportunity to engage with Regional Councillor DiPaola. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We look forward to seeing you at our event!
Richmond Hill News
RICHMOND HILL AWARDS 20 COMMUNITY AND CULTURAL GRANTS
Jun 24, 2024
RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill has announced the recipients of its Community and Cultural Grant program for 2024, demonstrating its commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. This year, the city council has allocated $59,564 to support 20 initiatives aimed at enriching the cultural life and quality of living for Richmond Hill residents.
The grants, which can cover up to 50% of project budgets (up to $5,000 per project), support a diverse range of activities including art exhibitions, cultural festivals, environmental initiatives, youth programs, and more. Recipients include organizations like the Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra, Indigenous-led programs, and local artists.
For more details on the grant application process and eligibility criteria, visit RichmondHill.ca/CommunityGrants.
Vote for Richmond Hill’s ‘Bird Friendly City’ Bird!
Celebrate the importance of birds in our community by helping choose our ‘Bird Friendly City’ bird!
Vote for one of six nominees, selected with input from City staff, the Richmond Hill bird team, and the Mississaugas of the Credit and Hiawatha First Nations. These birds, seen around our green spaces, represent Richmond Hill’s rich culture and diversity.
Eligible voters include residents, workers, and students of Richmond Hill. Cast your vote by June 14, 2024. The winner will be announced shortly after at RichmondHill.ca/Birds.
Richmond Hill Celebrates Seniors in June
RICHMOND HILL – The City of Richmond Hill is celebrating Seniors’ Month in June with a variety of events for our 55+ community.
Events:
- 55+ Barbecue: June 7, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Mill Pond Park, featuring The Randy Starr Band.
- Ice Cream Social: June 19, 1 p.m. at Oak Ridges Community Centre.
- Computer Technology Volunteer 25th Anniversary: June 15, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the McConaghy Centre.
- 55+ Choir Spring Concert: June 9, 2 p.m. at the McConaghy Centre.
Note: Registration is required for these events.
For details and registration, visit RichmondHill.ca/Seniors.
Make a Splash this Summer – Work at the Wave Pool!
Richmond Hill is hiring swim instructors, lifeguards, and aquatic attendants for our iconic Wave Pool reopening this Summer 2024. Join us to enjoy perks like free swim memberships, discounted fitness memberships, and recertification discounts.
Not certified yet? Volunteer with us and get your certification in 150 hours. Use your volunteer hours to pay for select courses!
Apply today and enjoy a fun, rewarding job in your community. Visit Jobs.RichmondHill.ca for more details.
RICHMOND HILL INFRASTRUCTURE AND ASSETS IN GOOD SHAPE
City’s Asset Management Plan Ensures Future Maintenance and Repairs
Jun 6, 2024
Richmond Hill Council has approved the 2024 Asset Management Plan, a crucial guide for maintaining the city’s infrastructure, valued at $11.4 billion. Covering roads, bridges, recreational facilities, and more, the Plan ensures efficient, cost-effective maintenance and repairs.
Most assets are in “Good” to “Very Good” condition, with ongoing investments planned to maintain their longevity. This Plan supports Richmond Hill’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, focusing on sustainable capital investments and best practices.
Quick Facts:
- Richmond Hill manages over 430,000 infrastructure assets.
- Most assets are 15-30 years old.
- Assets are valued at $11.4 billion and are in good condition.
- Asset information and plans are updated regularly as required.
Learn more at RichmondHill.ca/AssetManagement.
York Region News
YRT Summer Service and Fare Changes
Jun 26, 2024
Service Changes Starting June 30, 2024
- High School Special routes suspended for summer break
- Route 360 – Vaughan Mills/Wonderland now servicing Canada’s Wonderland daily
- Route 90 – Leslie restructured at John Birchall Road in Richmond Hill
- Adjustments to On-Request services
Learn more and plan ahead at yrt.ca/ServiceChanges.
Fare Changes Effective July 1, 2024 A 3% fare increase begins July 1, 2024, the first since 2019, to cover rising operational costs. Discounted fares available via PRESTO card and mobile wallet. Details on discounts and fare assistance programs at yrt.ca/FareChanges.
New Fares:
- Adult (20-64): $4.00
- Youth (13-19): $3.10
- Senior (65+): $2.45
- Child (6-12): $2.45
- Cash/Credit/Debit: $4.40
- Children 5 and under ride free
On-Request App Download the free YRT On-Request App on the App Store or Google Play. More info at yrt.ca/OnRequestApp.
Stay Connected For service alerts, news, and travel tips, call 1-866-MOVE-YRT (668-3978), visit yrt.ca, or follow @YRTviva on social media. Live chat available at yrt.ca/LiveChat.
York Region Population Exceeds 1.25 Million, Highest Annual Growth Since 2018
May 30, 2024
York Region has seen significant growth, with the population surpassing 1.25 million and recording the highest annual growth rate since 2018. The construction value hit a record $5.9 billion in 2023, indicating robust development.
Key Highlights from the Growth and Development Review 2023:
- Population grew by 18,737 in 2023, a 1.5% increase from 2022, reaching 1,258,200 residents.
- Construction value across all sectors reached $5.9 billion, a 37% increase from 2022, the highest ever recorded.
- Residential building permits surged by 69% since 2022, totaling 12,022 units, with a record-high $4.3 billion in construction value.
- Non-residential building permits’ value decreased by 6% to $1.6 billion but remained above the five-year average of $1.37 billion.
- Home completions rose by 89% to 9,945 units in 2023, with a shift towards higher density dwellings.
- Average resale home prices dropped by 3.6%, the first decline since 2018.
“York Region continues to show strong signs of growth with record-breaking construction values in 2023,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson.
“York Region’s increase in population continues to reinforce our communities are desirable places to live and invest,” added City of Richmond Hill Regional Councillor Joe DiPaola. “Increased construction value is imperative to align with our growth and bolster York Region’s diverse economy.”
For more information on York Region’s growth and development, visit york.ca/Planning.
Provincial Regulatory Updates
Jun 24, 2024
Open for Comment
- The Ministry of Energy has released a proposal regarding amendments to Ontario Regulation 509/18 (Efficiency Regulation). These amendments would harmonize the standards for 42 products by incorporating Natural Resources Canada standards, and would revoke now obsolete efficiency requirements to three products. For more information, or to submit a comment, please visit the first hyperlink. Comments can be submitted until August 2 2024.
Bulletins/Decisions
- The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has updated a previous decision on protecting black ash and its habitat under the Endangered Species Act. The Ministry is advising that the technical guide for black ash health assessments is now available. For more information, please visit the hyperlink.
- The Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism has updated a previous decision regarding amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act and Schedule 2 of the Proposed Homeowner Protection Act. As Bill 200 (Homeowner Protection Act) received Royal Assent on June 6, the public comment function for this posting is now closed. For more information, please visit the first hyperlink.
- The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has released a decision regarding the proposed changes to the Planning Act and Municipal Act through the Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act (Bill 185). Through Bill 185, which received Royal Assent on June 6, these changes include the removal of upper-tier planning responsibilities for York Region, the establishment of a regulation-making authority that enables standardized housing designs, implementation of “Use it or Lose it” tools to support efficient allocation of housing-enabling infrastructure, and enhancing the framework for additional residential units through the removal of zoning barriers. For more information, please visit the hyperlink.
- The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has released a decision regarding changes to the Development Charges Act, which would enhance municipalities’ ability to invest in housing-enabling infrastructure. Through Bill 185, the Ministry has repealed the phase-in of development charges, reinstated studies as an eligible cost for development charges, reduced the Development Charge freeze period, and streamlined processes for extending existing Development Charge by-laws. For more information, please visit the hyperlink.