COVID-19

Everyone is feeling the effects of COVID-19, and if you need support, there is help available to you. York Region provides an online list of wide-ranging support services, including help for seniors, people experiencing homelessness or in need of emergency food access, and those in need of financial relief. There are also resources available to help you maintain your mental health and well-being during the pandemic.

You can also access information on government and community-based social services through 211 Ontario by dialling 2-1-1 (for non-emergency requests) or visiting 211ontario.ca.

It’s a different flu season. Reducing the spread of the flu is more important than ever.

Protect yourself and the people around you from the flu and help reduce the strain on health care systems currently responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit York.ca/flu to find out where you can get your flu shot.

• The Operations Centre, 1200 Elgin Mills Road East (waste bin and garbage tag purchases and exchanges only)
• Oak Ridges Community Centre and Pool (lane and leisure swims and recreational programs; pre-registration required)
• Centennial Pool (lane and leisure swims; pre-registration required)
• Tom Graham Arena (permit holders only)
• Ed Sackfield Arena (permit holders only)
• Libraries (limited services; visit rhpl.ca/reopening for details)
• All parks, trails and most outdoor amenities including playgrounds, skate parks, sports courts, outdoor exercise equipment, off leash dog areas, picnic tables, benches and parking lots.
• Sports fields, baseball diamonds and beach volleyball courts (recreational play; organized play by permit only)
• Artificial turf soccer fields (permit holders only)
• Council Meetings (virtual; delegations and anyone wishing to speak during Public Forum must pre-register)
• Stay Active at Home virtual activities
• Fall Recreational Programs (in-person and virtual) – registration is open
• Blackmore Tennis Club at David Hamilton Park (members and program participants only)

*Residents visiting City parks are asked to follow the public health guidance posted, including practicing physical distancing, and to avoid crowding. Community Standards officers will be monitoring parks.

• Most community centres, pools and arenas
• The Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts (closed for the remainder of 2020)
• The Wave Pool (closed for the remainder of 2020)
• The Heritage Centre (closed for the remainder of 2020)
• Eyer Homestead Ropes and Challenge Course (closed for the remainder of 2020)
• Bayview Hill Fitness Studio (closed for the remainder of 2020)
• Boynton House
• Richmond Green indoor bocce
• Richmond Green indoor lawn bowling
• Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory
• Splash pads (closed for the season)
• Fire stations (emergency response is unaffected)
• Ed Sackfield Fitness Centre and Indoor Track
• Oak Ridges Community Centre Fitness Studio
• Elgin Barrow Arena (closed for the remainder of 2020)

• All permits for upcoming third-party events are cancelled and no new permits will be issued until further notice. 
• Indoor in-person fitness classes
• Aquafit classes and swim lessons
• Skating lessons
• Public skating

• Richmond Green skate trail (opening date TBD; capacity will be limited and pre-registration required)

The City is taking measures to protect staff and residents as facilities reopen and we thank everyone in advance for their cooperation. Visitors are asked not to attend a facility if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, have recently travelled internationally, or have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19.

At City facilities, visitors will be required to complete a COVID-19 screening form for contact tracing purposes. Signage will be posted throughout facilities, including floor markers, to reinforce physical distancing and other health and safety guidelines. Plexiglas barriers have been installed at front counter service areas and hand sanitizer stations will be available at all entrances.

Face masks or coverings are also required in all enclosed public spaces. Exceptions include people who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons, children under the age of five or those who require accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Learn more at York.ca/MandatoryMasks.

Waste collection

• At this time, garbage, recycling, organics and large appliance collection continue as scheduled.

Waste bins and garbage tags 

Residents can now purchase new blue boxes, green bins, kitchen containers and garbage tags, as well as pay to exchange broken Richmond Hill labelled blue boxes and green bins online. Orders can be picked up at the Operations Centre or delivered by mail (garbage tags only).

In person services are also available at the Operations Centre during modified business hours.

Visit the Garbage Tags and Bins page for details.

York Region Public Waste Depots

• York Region’s Public Waste Depots remain open during regular service hours. Please visit york.ca/wastedepots for information on what waste items are being accepted at their respective sites. Please also note that to protect customers and staff, the depots are no longer accepting cash until further notice. You can pay by debit, MasterCard or Visa. 

Waste collection safety guidelines

To help keep our residents and contracted waste collection staff safe, please:

• Continue to carefully bag and tie all garbage and green bin materials in plastic bags.
• Dispose of masks, gloves and wipes in the garbage, not the blue box. If these items are found in the blue box, your recycling will not be collected.
• Dispose of paper towels and tissues in the green bin, not the blue box. If these items are found in the blue box, your recycling will not be collected.
• Do not flush any wipes down the toilet. Sewer blockages can occur.
• Do not litter. Dispose of masks, gloves, wipes and other hygiene products in the garbage.
• If someone in your home is ill, place all items they use in the garbage, not the blue box or green bin. 
• Wash your hands before and after handling waste and waste containers. Regularly clean your containers using soap and water.
• Support our collection staff by keeping the required 2 metre physical distancing. 

Visit the Garbage and Recycling page.

• Residents and businesses who are able should pay their property taxes on the scheduled due dates as this will help Richmond Hill to continue providing essential services. However, the City recognizes under the current unique circumstances some residents and businesses may require additional time.
• Richmond Hill has waived penalties and interest on late property tax payments through the end of the year to support individuals and businesses struggling financially due to COVID-19.

• Beginning January 31, 2021, interest on unpaid taxes will be applied monthly. Late payment penalties will apply to 2021 tax instalments. All taxpayers with an outstanding balance of $10 or more will receive a reminder notice early in December 2020.  

• Account holders on the pre-authorized debit program who wish to withdraw from the program should visit the pre-authorized debit program page for more information.
• The City offers various tax payment options, including a new credit card option. However, Access Richmond Hill in-person services are temporarily suspended.  

Visit the Property Tax Billings page.

• Residents and businesses who are able should pay their water bills on the scheduled due dates to help Richmond Hill continue to provide essential services.
• Richmond Hill will continue to distribute water bills but there will be no penalties for late payments through January 1, 2021 to support individuals and businesses struggling financially due to COVID-19. 
• Richmond Hill is maintaining 2019 stormwater, wastewater and water rates until 2021.
• Account holders on the pre-authorized debit program who wish to withdraw from the program should visit the pre-authorized debit program page for more information.
• The City’s NSF (non-sufficient funds) fee of $45 is waived for the remainder of 2020.
• Water meter maintenance involving entering an occupied residence will resume in July with additional safety protocols communicated to the resident by the vendor in advance.  

All on-street parking regulations including school zone, 3 hour maximum and overnight restrictions are now being enforced. If you need to park on the street for longer than 3 hours or overnight, you can purchase a Temporary Parking Permit through the Parking and By-law Portal (Please use one of the following web browsers: Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge).

• The City has suspended enforcement of Noise By-law prohibitions which apply to after-hour delivery of supplies to retailers.
• Until further notice, all in-person Screening Review appointments will be conducted by phone interview.

Visit the Parking page.

• The City will continue to accept and review development applications. Applicants are asked to submit documentation via courier.
• The City will continue to issue all development application related documents (including Site Plan Agreements, Pre-Submission Letters, Circulation Comment Summaries, etc.). This documentation will be forwarded via Canada Post or courier.
• The City will continue to execute agreements and accept executed agreements by scheduled appointments.
• Development Engineering and Transportation staff will continue to do limited inspections of Grading Inquiries, Traffic Inquiries and Site Alteration/Single Family Permits, provided no public contact is involved

Visit the Planning Development page.

• Richmond Hill has implemented Temporary Use By-law 91-20 as well as guidelines applicable to new and/or expanded patios and sales areas on privately-owned land. 

For more information, visit the Applications, Licences and Permits page. 

• Building permit applications can be made by mail, courier or drop-off. Due to increased COVID-19 safety protocols, there may be delays in processing any mail, courier or drop-off. For Residential Building Permits, to avoid processing delays due to COVID-19 safety protocols, permit submission through the new online option is highly recommended. For all other types of building permits, city staff will contact individuals regarding building permits that are ready to issue to arrange pick-up. Appointments that are scheduled will take place at the Access Richmond Hill counter (ground floor, 225 East Beaver Creek Road).

Visit the Building Permits page or the Sign Permit page.

• Building inspections are available for occupied and unoccupied premises. Building Officials will follow COVID-19 safety protocols.

Visit the Building Inspections page.

To determine how your property is zoned and the applicable by-law please see the zoning index map. For additional zoning by-law information, please email us at planning@richmondhill.ca. Phone service is not available at this time.

Compliance letters and related requests are available. Contact us at 905-771-8810 or building@richmondhill.ca. Please note, we cannot offer expedited service at this time.

Trees on public property

The City continues to maintain our urban forest and respond to reports of damaged trees on public property. To report a public tree in need of attention, fill out and submit the online service request form.

Marriage Licences

Complete a marriage application online and send and email to Access Richmond Hill (access@richmondhill.ca) to make an appointment to get your marriage licence. Visit our Marriage and Weddings webpage for more information and to access the application form.