Richmond Hill Makes Positive Strides On Climate Change

City Wins Two Awards; Council Endorses First Climate Change Framework

RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill has won two awards recognizing its efforts to creatively educate residents about the local effects of climate change and engage them in the development of the City’s climate change plans.

The City received an Award of Distinction from the So(cial) Good Design Awards, presented by the Association of Registered Graphic Designers for the Resilient Richmond Hill video. This animated video takes viewers on a journey through the city to learn the importance of climate change actions, including the Community Energy and Emissions Plan.

The City was also awarded the Best Web GIS Award by BeSpatial/URISA Ontario, the premier geospatial and information non-profit organization in Ontario, for the Resilient Richmond Hill Story Map. This online resource features local climate data and creatively captures stories and feedback from the community.

At the November 25 Council Meeting, Council congratulated staff for their efforts and also endorsed the City’s new Climate Change Framework. This internal framework will position the City to manage climate change more effectively by:

• Applying a climate change lens to how we manage the organization and its assets and how we plan for land use and development
• Creating climate change action programs that lower climate risks and increase green infrastructure in our communities
• Fostering collaboration and innovation by engaging with our residents, businesses and partners

The Resilient Richmond Hill program, including the Climate Change Framework, is just one of the ways Richmond Hill is working to protect our natural environment and lead the way towards a more sustainable future.

Quotes

“Richmond Hill is not immune to the effects of climate change. We are committed to protecting our community and making it more resilient now and in the future. City staff are doing a remarkable job but in order to succeed we need everyone to work together. I encourage residents to get involved in our Resilient Richmond Hill initiatives and learn more about how your actions can help.” – Mayor Dave Barrow

Quick facts

• The City’s Resilient Richmond Hill climate change program launched in 2018. It aims to mitigate climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change by planning for weather extremes such as intense rainfalls, strong winds and ice storms. 
• Other recent public engagement activities include Resilient Stories – a social media campaign in which Richmond Hill residents share personal accounts of their hopes, concerns and actions in response to climate change.
• Richmond Hill is also finalizing a Community Energy and Emissions Plan, scheduled for release in 2021, to assess local energy use and greenhouse gas emissions and identify solutions that promote both environmental and financial sustainability.

 Additional links

RichmondHill.ca/ResilientRH

Richmond Hill Council Champions the Environment

Richmond Hill and Partners Recognized Nationally for Sustainability Work

Media Contact
Lynn Chan, Communications Advisor

lynn.chan@richmondhill.ca   

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