Honoring Women’s Contributions: March as Women’s History Month
https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/commemorations-celebrations/womens-history-month/women-history-canada-timeline.html
March, designated as Women’s History Month, shines a spotlight on the significant contributions women have made throughout history and within society.
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.
Richmond Hill Affordable Fresh Food Market
Good News: Project Blaze Returns！
Richmond Hill News
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! 🌊🏡
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!
🌟 APPLY NOW: 2024 Community & Cultural Grants 🌟
Join Us for a Virtual Info Session on March 12!
Calling all individuals and organizations in Richmond Hill! Applications are now open for the 2024 Community and Cultural Grants. If you have an exciting event or project that celebrates the diverse cultural traditions of our city, we want to support you!
Each year, Richmond Hill funds projects that highlight our community’s spirit, from concerts to art exhibitions and more. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for Community and Cultural Projects, covering areas like social services, health, arts, and heritage.
Mark your calendars for March 12 at 7 p.m. and join us via Zoom for an informative session. Learn about eligibility, funding criteria, and how to apply. RSVP(email to leanne.dimonte@richmondhill.ca) to secure your spot and get the registration link!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Apply by April 3. For details and application, visit RichmondHill.ca/CommunityGrants. 🎉
🌟 Celebrate International Women’s Day with Us in Richmond Hill! 🌟
Join us from March 4th to 8th for “Empowering Women through Entrepreneurship,” a series of free sessions supporting women entrepreneurs, hosted by Richmond Hill’s Small Business Enterprise Centre. Let’s change the statistic: only 17% of Canadian small businesses are owned by women. Explore key topics like financial modeling and AI, and start your entrepreneurial journey with us!
Here’s a glimpse of what to expect each day:
📅 March 4 – Angel Investing Unveiled/Financial Modeling for Startup Founders
📅 March 5 – How to Start a Small Business
📅 March 6 – Bridges Beyond (inspiring stories shared)
📅 March 7 – Improving your Social Media with ChatGPT
📅 March 7 – Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals in Tech (in-person)
📅 March 8 – Fireside Chat featuring Successful Women Entrepreneurs
This event is open to everyone who champions women’s empowerment and seeks valuable insights from our series. Whether you’re looking to attend one session or all, we welcome your participation. Let’s make these discussions inclusive and impactful for all involved.
For more details and to secure your spot, visit RichmondHill.ca/IWD.
Let’s celebrate and empower women entrepreneurs together! 🚀 #IWD2024 #RichmondHill #WomenEntrepreneurs
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.
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!
York Region News
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.
Ontario’s One Fare Program: Seamless Transit Connections
Starting February 26, 2024, experience free transfers connecting TTC, YRT, GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, and MiWay. Utilize your PRESTO card, credit, debit, or PRESTO in Google Wallet.
This initiative supports the collective goal of the province, municipal transit systems, and Metrolinx for integrated fares, enhancing affordability and simplifying your transit experience.
Participating systems encompass 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.
Provincial Regulatory Updates
Mar 25, 2024
Open for Comment
- The Ministry of Transportation has updated their proposal to amend the Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act (PTHIA). The amendment would prohibit Ontario from introducing any new tolling of provincially owned and/or operated highways. This update is meant to notify the public that comment period for this posting has been extended to March 28, 2024. To submit a comment please visit the hyperlink.
- The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has updated their proposal for the Get It Done Act (2024) – Amending the Official Plan Adjustments Act (2023). The amendment would retroactively reinstate municipally requested modifications to official plans for the cities of Barrie, Belleville, Guelph, Hamilton, Ottawa and Peterborough, Wellington County and the regions of Niagara, Peel, Halton, York and Waterloo. This update is meant to notify the public that comment period for this posting has been extended to March 28, 2024. To submit a comment please visit the hyperlink.
Updated Proposals
- The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has updated their proposal for the Low Impact Development Stormwater Management Guidance Manual. The proposal will help municipalities, planners, and developers to manage rain where it falls, reduce flooding risks, and increase resiliency to climate change. This update is meant to inform the public that the comments received are still under active review. Comment period closed on April 27, 2022.
- The Ministry of Energy has updated their proposal for a new Voluntary Enhanced Time-of-Use Rate, including consideration of a new Ultra-Low Overnight Pricing. The proposal is meant to encourage consumers to shift electricity use to low-demand periods, modelled after the OEB pricing pilot. Comment period closed on March 29, 2022.
Mar 18, 2024
Open for Comment
- The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes is consulting on proposed changes for the 2025 national codes. Feedback collected will also serve as consultation for Ontario’s 2026/27 Building Code. Comments can be submitted through the first hyperlink, and are due on April 14.
- The Ministry of Infrastructure has released a proposal to updated their statement of Environmental Values. This change to the statement is meant to reflect the ministry’s updated organizational structure and mandate. For more information, or to submit a comment, please visit the hyperlink. Comments can be submitted until April 11.
Bulletins/Decisions
- The Ministry of Energy has released a decision regarding the regulatory framework for appointments to the Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) board of directors. This amendment proposes changes to streamline the regulatory framework related to the appointments of directors to the IESO board and to provide clarity on conflicts of interest rules. For more information please visit the hyperlink.
- The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and housing has updated a previous proposal regarding a new approach to their Projection Methodology Guideline. The proposal is meant to support the review and update of the Projection Methodology Guideline to reflect the current land use planning policy framework in Ontario. For more information please visit the hyperlink.
- The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has released a bulletin regarding the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority’s 2022 Annual Report. This report provides a summary of oversight activities and audited financial statements. For more information please visit the hyperlink.
Mar 12, 2024
Open for Comment
- The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has released a proposal regarding the exempting the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act orders from requirements of Part II of the Environmental Bill of Rights through amending Ontario Regulation 73/94. If approved, Class II proposals for instruments would no longer be posted on the ERO for public consultation. This is meant to expedite action and prevent harm to people, property, and the environment arising from the delays. For more information, or to submit a comment, please visit the first hyperlink. Comments can be submitted until April 19, 2024.
Bulletin
- The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has released a bulletin regarding amendments to the Toronto and Region and Credit Valley Source Protection Area Assessment Reports and Source Protection Plan. The proposal will ensure the quality of Ontario’s municipal drinking water sources continue to be protected in York Region, and update policies for dense non-aqueous phase liquids and organic solvents in vulnerable areas near 4 drinking water systems in Peel, York, and Toronto.
Mar 5, 2024
Open for Comment
- The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has released a proposal regarding consultation on the 2025 National Construction Codes. The proposal encourages increased code harmonization which will be considered for potential inclusion on Ontario’s 2026/27 Building Code. Public review began on February 27, 2024 and will end on April 12, 2024. For more information on the proposal, please visit the first hyperlink. To participate in the consultation process, please visit this hyperlink.
Bulletins/Decisions
- The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has updated their proposal regarding the ministry’s modernization of environmental compliance practices. This notice is meant to update and advise the public that the file is still under active review and is implementing the comments previously received. Comment period closed on August 6, 2021.
- The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has also updated their proposal regarding the Noise Methods for Assessing Road and Rail Traffic policy. This proposal seeks to provide guidance on the methods and software for determining the impacts of noise due to road and rail projects. The current notice is meant to update and advise the public that the file is still under active review and is implementing the comments previously received. Comment period closed on January 15, 2022.
- The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has also updated their proposal on the Supporting Growth and Housing in York and Durham Regions Act, 2022. This new legislation would require the expansion of crucial wastewater treatment services for York Region and the construction of a phosphorus reduction facility to remove phosphorus from drainage water that flows into Lake Simcoe. The current notice is meant to update and advise the public that the file is still under active review and is implementing the comments previously received. Comment period closed on December 9, 2022.