Civic Precinct Project FAQs

What is the Civic Precinct Project?

The Civic Precinct Project, also known as People Place Richmond Hill, began as a community engagement and corporate planning initiative designed to explore what the community wants on the City owned lands at the southwest corner of Yonge Street and Major Mackenzie Drive. The Civic Precinct is an area in downtown Richmond Hill that has been recognized for its potential to be an important symbolic and functional space in the centre of City. 

Through research, planning and community consultation, a Concept Plan for the site was developed and from there, a capital project approved to include the elements the Concept Plan identified for the City-owned lands at the corner of Yonge and Major Mackenzie, the same block where the Central Library is located.  The project was approved by Council in 2016.

What's happening now?

At a Special Council meeting on June 26, 2018, Richmond Hill Council Council voted confirming the inclusion of park space and other public amenities such as an amphitheatre, reflecting pond/skating rink, public promenade and gardens at the Civic Precinct. The Civic Building and underground parking were removed from the project by Council. Plans are still under consideration for expanding the Central library. Staff will report back to Council in 2019 with updated financials and alternate options for additional office space, as well as options for parking at the Civic Precinct.

In January 2018, Richmond Hill completed a procurement process to hire Colliers Project Leaders to manage all aspects of the project. The construction phase of the Civic Precinct project was expected to take 36 months and projected completion was 2026. Timelines will shift due to the change in scope of the project.

On February 22, 2017, Council approved the financial plan, governance structure and staffing requirements, as outlined in the Staff Report: Civic Precinct - Timing, Governance, Structure, Staffing and Resources Business Case and Financial Plan.

Why is the Civic Precinct Project being undertaken?

Throughout the People Plan Richmond Hill process, the public has said we should use the location at Yonge Street and Major Mackenzie Drive to create a unique sense of place and encourage multi-functional uses. It is recognized that greater use of these lands would have substantial benefits for the community.

The Civic Precinct presents an enormous opportunity for Richmond Hill to create a functional, community-focused people place.

When will the Civic Precinct Project be completed?

Work on the Civic Precinct Project is already underway, bringing together the experts required to plan, design and build on the site. Construction was expected to be completed in 2026 but timelines will shift due to the change in scope of the project.

How has the community been involved in the Civic Precinct Project?

What will happen to the Central Library?

The Richmond Hill Library Board identified a need for expansion of the Central Library within the same timeframe of the planning, design and construction of the other elements of the Civic Precinct Project in this same block of City-owned land. As a result, in 2016, Council approved the inclusion of the expansion of the Central Library as part of the Civic Precinct Project. 

Discussion regarding the expansion of the Central Library is expected when the follow-up staff report is presented to Council in 2019.