Big News for Richmond Hill and Northern York Region!!
Photo Taken from: https://www.facebook.com/JoeDiPaolaRH
This week I, Regional and Local Councilor Joe Dipaola, joined Minister Mulroney, MPP Murphy, Mayor Taylor, Mayor Mrakas, Mayor Quirk, Mayor Hackson for the announcement of nearly $140 million from the province for the initial phase of the York Region-Durham sewage solution.
The funding for this critical infrastructure will pave the way for 8,000 new homes in Aurora, East Gwillimbury and Newmarket. Thanks to the Provincial Government for working with us to ensure that we are able to unlock much-needed housing in our communities…
Richmond Hill News
Sustainable Energy
Richmond Hill promotes sustainable energy use to lower energy consumption and associated costs, improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Photo Taken from: https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/find-or-learn-about/sustainable-energy.aspx
Home Energy Improvements
Free Webinar – Home Efficiency Retrofit Orientation (HERO)
Want to lower your utility bills, enhance home comfort, and reduce your environmental footprint? Join our free virtual workshop to learn how! You’ll gain valuable insights on energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, insulation, windows, water heating, and minimizing air leakage. We’ll also cover available rebate programs to help you save.
This workshop is designed for single-family homeowners (detached, semi-detached, and townhomes). Space is limited, so be sure to secure your spot. Register now!
Tuesday, September 17 – 6 to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, October 8 – 6 to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, November 19 – 6 to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, December 10 – 6 to 8 p.m.
for more information visit: https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/find-or-learn-about/sustainable-energy.aspx
Traffic Safety and Operations Strategy
Photo Taken from: https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/our-services/traffic.aspx
To report a non-emergency traffic concern or request more information about traffic signals and signage in Richmond Hill, email traffic.inquiries@richmondhill.ca.
The City has launched a comprehensive Traffic Safety and Operations Strategy to enhance road safety in our community. This strategy introduces updated policies and programs to address traffic-related concerns, including proactive city-wide street assessments to identify and prioritize high-risk areas. It also focuses on implementing data-driven traffic calming measures for more effective results.
Read the Traffic Safety and Operations Strategy.
Join us this fall to learn more about traffic safety measures for your neighbourhood.
If you are unable to attend in person, please register to participate virtually where attendees will be able to listen to the presentation and provide written comments in chat.
for more information visit: https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/our-services/traffic.aspx
Free and Fast EV Charging – JOLT
Good news for Richmond Hill residents! Australian EV fast-charger provider JOLT has launched three new electric vehicle (EV) chargers at 9555 Yonge Street Plaza. Richmond Hill is the first city in Canada to offer JOLT’s EV charging stations, providing drivers with 7kWh of free charging—about 50km of range. The expansion is part of JOLT’s growth in Toronto, backed by Vancouver-based TELUS.
JOLT’s “Digital Out-Of-Home” advertising supports the free charging by displaying ads during use. This marks JOLT’s fourth expansion, following networks in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. CEO Doug McNamee emphasized the company’s global growth and innovation.
QUOTE
Regional and Local Councilor Joe DiPaola: We were honored to be there to celebrate Ribbon cutting for Jolt Charge and TELUS. And wow this first of its kind! A brand-new free charging station for residents!Yes I said free!A new initiative in helping to make our community even more clean and green right here in Richmond Hill.#chargingstation#greenliving#richmondhill#yorkregion
Grand Opening of Hongbo Student & Immigration Centre and Sheng Qian Professional CORP September 10 2024
The grand opening of the Hongbo Student & Immigration Centre marks a significant milestone in its 20-year legacy of delivering top-tier study abroad and immigration services. Headquartered in Markham, Ontario, Hongbo has earned a reputation for helping students and professionals achieve their Canadian dreams. This exciting event also celebrates the strategic partnership between Hongbo and SHENG QIAN PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION (CPA), a renowned accounting firm with a global presence. Together, they are committed to enhancing their services and strengthening their impact on the community, particularly in York Region.
QUOTE
Regional Councilor Joe DiPaola: I am honored to celebrate the grand opening of the Hongbo Student & Immigration Centre. This new chapter, in partnership with SHENG QIAN PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION, strengthens their commitment to helping newcomers and students achieve success in Canada. Together, they continue to make a positive impact in our community.
York Region News
Speed limit reductions at six York Region
locations will improve traveler safety
York Regional Council has approved lowering speed limits at six key locations to enhance road safety and reduce severe collisions.
Changes include:
- Woodbine Ave (Georgina): 50 km/h to 30 km/h
- Highway 27 (King): 70 km/h to 60 km/h
- Weston Rd (King): 80 km/h to 70 km/h
- Dufferin St (King): 80 km/h to 70 km/h (two segments)
- Ninth Line (Whitchurch-Stouffville): 70 km/h to 60 km/h
“These reductions aim to protect all travelers and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists,” said York Region Chairman Wayne Emmerson.
Speed limit adjustments align with the York Region Vision Zero Traveller Safety Plan, which targets reducing severe collisions by addressing speeding and aggressive driving.
For more details, visit: york.ca/TrafficSafety
York Region advances Paramedic Services Plan
York Region is committed to delivering high-quality paramedic care,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “The Paramedic Services Master Plan outlines our efforts to address growing needs and ensure timely responses.”
Key Achievements:
- Added four ambulances, 21,840 weekly hours, and 68 new staff.
- Completed a new station in Markham, with more planned in Vaughan, Georgina, East Gwillimbury, and Aurora.
- Launched the Improving Patient Access and Care Program, integrating paramedics into the broader health care system.
- Installed anti-idling tech, saving $360,000 and reducing emissions by 226 tonnes.
- First electric ambulance arriving by end of 2024.
An updated Master Plan for 2026-2031 will be presented in 2026, incorporating the new Medical Priority Dispatch System to improve resource deployment.
For more info, visit: york.ca/Paramedics
Join the 2024 York Region Tree Bee!
Photo Taken from: 2024 York Region Tree Bee | York Region
Attention teachers, parents of students in Grades 4 to 6, and community organizations: You’re invited to participate in the 2024 York Region Tree Bee, hosted by Forests Ontario. This fun and educational program encourages youth (ages 9 to 12) to learn about trees, forests, and the environment!
The virtual competition will take place from Monday, November 18 to Sunday, November 24, 2024. Participants can access resources and activity sheets to help them prepare.
Teams should consist of 2 to 28 members. The first-place team will win a plaque and prize pack, while the second and third-place teams will receive digital certificates and prize packs.
Visit york.ca/TreeBee to register.
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.