Contact: Gwen Manderson, Director of Strategic Initiatives, (905) 771-2411

     

RICHMOND HILL – After months of soliciting public input from residents to businesses to community organizations, the Town of Richmond Hill will officially release the new Draft Strategic Plan, A Plan for People, a Plan for Change, to the community who helped create it at public presentations on February 9 & 17.

“We reached out and heard from thousands of people from all facets and in many different ways, truly making this a plan by the people and for the people of Richmond Hill,” said Mayor Dave Barrow. “We want to thank all of those who helped develop the plan whether it was by attending roundtable discussions, completing online surveys, joining our Facebook group or sending us an e-mail or letter.”

The Strategic Plan, which focuses on the goals and aspirations of the people, provides a long-term vision and direction for the Town. The plan clearly articulates a mission, vision, goals, outcomes and strategies that respect the balance between people, the environment and the economy, while also inspiring change.

“The feedback we received recognizes that our community is currently changing and will indeed further grow and change,” said Mayor Barrow. “This Strategic Plan recognizes that we, as a community, need to do things differently to make Richmond Hill a town that is built for the people who live and work here.”

The Town’s overall vision of “Richmond Hill, where people come together to build our community” is supported by the four main goals that are fundamental to our everyday lives, regardless of age, culture or experience: i) Stronger Connections In Richmond Hill, ii) Better Choice In Richmond Hill, iii) A More Vibrant Richmond Hill, and iv) Wise Management Of Resources In Richmond Hill. They are powerful guiding principles, a public consensus of what is important for Richmond Hill now and in years to come.

The community is invited to attend one of two public presentations to be held on Monday, February 9, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday, February 17 at 7:30 p.m. where Town staff will present the entire plan and outline its implementation. Both meetings will be held in Council Chambers at the Town Municipal Offices (225 East Beaver Creek Road). If residents cannot attend the meetings to share their thoughts, the Draft Strategic Plan will also be available on the Town’s Website as of February 10, along with a survey to provide input until March 18. After taking into consideration all public comments, staff will report back in April 2009 with a final Strategic Plan. Please visit www.richmondhill.ca/strategicplan for more details.