Last updated: November 18, 2021
The health and safety of our residents, program participants, visitors and staff is a top priority. The City of Richmond Hill is working closely with York Region Public Health to monitor COVID-19. This is being done in collaboration with provincial and national health agencies. In addition, York Region Public Health is working closely with hospitals and community health care providers to keep them informed on the evolving situation and ensure reporting and management of any suspected cases.
Provincial Proof of Vaccination Requirements
The Ontario government requires visitors to certain municipal facilities (e.g. recreation facilities, fitness centres, theatre, indoor event and meeting spaces) to be fully vaccinated and show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a valid medical exemption. This does not apply to the Main Municipal Offices or the Operations Centre.
Further, York Region Public Health requires that all visitors to City recreation and culture facilities age 12 years and older, including players, coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators, must show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and identification or a valid medical exemption. Children turning 12 in 2022 will have a grace period of 12 weeks (three months) from their birthday, during which they will not need to show proof of vaccination at indoor sports and recreation facilities.
See the 'What's Open and Closed' section below for full details on what to expect when visiting a recreation facility. Learn more about the provincial proof of vaccine policy, including how to get your enhanced vaccine certificate (with QR code), exemptions and more.
Protect yourself against COVID-19
Visit the York Region website for information and resources on how to protect yourself against COVID-19 or call Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653. York Region reports daily on COVID-19 data related to number of cases, assessment centres, lab results and outbreaks.
Masks or face coverings are required inside enclosed public spaces in Richmond Hill and throughout York Region/Ontario. This includes City of Richmond Hill facilities. Masks or face coverings are recommended outdoors when you can't physically distance more than two metres. 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.
| Community supports |
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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 dialing 2-1-1 (for non-emergency requests) or visiting 211ontario.ca.
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| Vaccinations in York Region |
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Visit york.ca/COVID19Vaccine for information about the vaccine and where you can get vaccinated, including mobile and pop-up clinics.
The Ontario Government in partnership with Metrolinx, is also offering mobile clinics. The GO-VAXX buses are travelling to malls, festivals, community hubs and events throughout the summer and fall across the Greater Golden Horseshoe Region. For more information and to see the schedule, visit the Ontario Government website.
| Government Roles and Responsibilities |
| Government of Canada |
- Authorize vaccines for use in Canada
- Procure vaccines and related supplies
- Provide scientific guidance on vaccine use
- Ongoing monitoring of vaccine safety throughout Canada
- Work with vaccine manufacturers to ensure safe and timely delivery of vaccines to provinces and territories
- Support provinces and territories in managing logistics
Learn more on the Government of Canada website.
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| Province of Ontario |
- Distribute vaccines and supplies received from the Government of Canada
- Prioritize rollout across Ontario
- Track volumes of vaccines administered
Learn more on the Province of Ontario’s website.
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| Regional Municipality of York |
- Distribute and administers vaccines
- Plan for vaccination rollout within the region based on the Province of Ontario’s plan and contingent on Federal supply
- Manage bookings of vaccinations of priority populations
- Safely store vaccine received from the Province of Ontario
Learn more on the Regional Municipality of York’s website.
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| City of Richmond Hill |
- Providing non-clinical support to York Region
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| COVID-19 in York Region data |
| York Region reports daily on COVID-19 data related to number of cases, assessment centres, lab results and outbreaks. Visit York.ca/COVID19data to view the interactive dashboard. |
| Enforcing COVID-19 Regulations |
York Region Enforcement
To report non-compliance at a food establishment, personal service setting, or recreational water facility, please call York Region at 1-877-464-9675 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. These establishments include:
- Restaurants and bars
- Grocery stores, convenience stores, discount and big box retailers selling groceries
- Tattoo studios, body piercing shops, aesthetics salons, and hairdressing and barber shops
- Public pools, spas, beaches, splash pads and wading pools
Community Standards Officers are patrolling the City to enforce provincial COVID-19 regulations and any resident and/or business not in compliance could be fined.
City of Richmond Hill Enforcement
To report non-compliance at any other business or public space in Richmond Hill, including private social gatherings and organized public events, please call 905-747-6400, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or email bylaw@richmondhill.ca seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information on COVID-19 regulations, including a list of charges and closures in York Region, visit York Region's website.
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What's open and closed
As our gradual, safe reopening continues, select in-person services are now available at both the main Municipal Offices and the Operations Centre. For speed and convenience, residents are encouraged to continue using the City’s wide range of online services where possible instead of visiting these facilities. Most of our recreation and culture amenities are now also open for residents to enjoy.
| What's open |
City Services
| Services available at the main Municipal Offices - 225 East Beaver Creek Road |
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The main Municipal Offices feature a new customer-centric service area on the ground floor, which will increase safety and accessibility for residents by removing the need to travel between multiple floors. Visitors will find it more streamlined and convenient to have Access Richmond Hill, Office of the Clerk, Planning Services, Building Services and Development Engineering Services all located by the main entrance.
The following in-person services are available at 225 East Beaver Creek Road:
- Marriage licences (appointment required; initial application can be done online)
- Parking and By-law penalty notice payments (online option available)
- Garbage tag, green bin and blue box sales
- Routine Disclosures and Requests for Records (online option available)
- Commissioning of documents (appointment required)
- Municipal related invoice payments (with hardcopy of the bill)
- Tax and water bill payments (can also be done online through your bank)
- Apply for, change or cancel pre-authorized payments for water and property bills (online option available)
- Residential building permit application (online option available)
- Building Permit pre-consultation meeting (appointment required)
- Site alteration permit application prescreening (appointment required)
- Technical inquiries related to site alteration permits and subdivisions, site plans and grading complaints (appointment required)
- Traffic complaints (appointment required; email option available: traffic.inquiries@richmondhill.ca)
While the main Municipal Offices are open on the ground floor for service, Council meetings will remain virtual for residents to view or participate. City staff are pursuing a hybrid model of Council meeting which could allow for a combination of in-person and virtual participation. This will be tested with Members of Council this fall before inviting the public back in person.
We are here to help
The Access Richmond Hill Contact Centre can help you with general inquiries and respond to questions or concerns about programs and services. We also offer translation assistance for residents who need services in languages other than English.
If you have questions about how to access a City service, please visit RichmondHill.ca or contact Access Richmond Hill by email at access@richmondhill.ca or by phone at 905-771-8800 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Residents can also report a problem (e.g. missed garbage collection, streetlight out), and/or submit a general inquiry using our online portal.
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| Services available at the Operations Centre - 1200 Elgin Mills Road East |
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The following in-person services are available at 1200 Elgin Mills Road East:
- Garbage tag, green bin and blue box sales
- Parking and By-law penalty notice screenings and hearings (appointment required; online screenings available)
- Parking and By-law penalty notice payments (online option available)
- Sign retrievals (payment and pick-up of sign)
- Fire Route sign sales
- Recreation facility bookings (appointment required; online option available)
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| What you need to know before visiting these facilities |
- While some services are available by walk-in, others require appointments to be booked in advance. Virtual appointments may also be available
- An online COVID-19 health screening form must be completed before visiting. You will be asked to show the results at the door. Do not visit if you are unwell.
- Proof of vaccination will not be required to visit the main Municipal Offices or the Operations Centre
- Face coverings/masks are required indoors
- Visitors can only access the buildings through the front doors
- Contactless payment is encouraged, where available
- Additional health and safety measures such as physical distancing and capacity limits are in place. Please be aware outdoor lineups may occur
- Services and requirements may be subject to change due to provincial COVID-19 restrictions. Visitors are encouraged to visit this webpage for the latest information before attending a City facility
- City offices are closed on holidays, including September 30 for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
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Recreation
| New Provincial Proof of Vaccination Requirements |
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The Ontario government requires visitors to certain municipal facilities (e.g. recreation facilities, fitness centres, theatre, indoor event and meeting spaces) to be fully vaccinated and show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
To enter, visitors must:
- Show proof of COVID-19 vaccination (print or digital - vaccine receipt or enhanced certificate with QR code accepted)
- Show valid ID (e.g., health card, driver’s licence)
- Complete the screening form (RichmondHill.ca/Screening)
Note additional health and safety measures are in place once inside, including face covering/mask requirements and physical distancing. If you are feeling unwell, please do not visit a facility.
Exceptions
- Proof of vaccination is not required for children under the age of 12
Grace period for children turning 12 in 2022 who play indoor organized sports
Effective Saturday, January 1, 2022, children who turn 12 in 2022 will have a grace period of 12 weeks (three months) from their birthday, during which they will not need to show proof of vaccination at indoor sports and recreation facilities.
Medical exceptions
Individuals who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical exemptions are required to present identification and appropriate written documentation from a physician or registered nurse stating the individual is exempt for a medical reason.
Parents/guardians, spectators ages 12 and over and all other visitors who do not meet the exemption criteria above must provide proof of vaccination and show ID before entering. Where adult participation and/or supervision is required, the adult accompanying the individual must show proof of vaccination and ID before entering.
All visitors, regardless of exemption, must still complete the online screening form at RichmondHill.ca/Screening before entering and must adhere to other health and safety requirements when inside the facility.
Those who wish to withdraw from a program can contact recreation@richmondhill.ca
Where applicable, you are encouraged to speak with your sports leagues and organizations for any additional requirements they may have implemented.
The health and safety of our staff and visitors is a priority for the City. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
For more information on the provincial proof of vaccination guidelines, visit the Ontario government's Frequently Asked Questions page or the Proof of Vaccination/Exemptions page.
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Community Centres
For information about recreation programs, visit the Community Rec Guide page.
Pools, Fitness Studios and Arenas
For rec swimming and program information, visit the Recreational Swimming, Aquatic Leadership and Community Rec Guide pages.
Recreation and Culture Facilities and Programs
Outdoor Amenities
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| What's closed |
- Richvale Community Centre and Pool (currently only open as a York Region vaccination clinic)
- The Wave Pool
- Elgin Barrow Arena
- Bayview Hill Fitness Studio
- Splash pads closed for the season
- Sports fields closed for the season
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| New Provincial Proof of Vaccination Requirements |
|
The Ontario government requires visitors to certain municipal facilities (e.g. recreation facilities, fitness centres, theatre, indoor event and meeting spaces) to be fully vaccinated and show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. This does not apply to the Main Municipal Offices or the Operations Centre.
To enter, visitors must:
- Show proof of COVID-19 vaccination (print or digital - vaccine receipt or enhanced certificate with QR code accepted)
- Show valid ID (e.g., health card, driver’s licence)
- Complete the screening form (RichmondHill.ca/Screening)
Note additional health and safety measures are in place once inside, including face covering/mask requirements and physical distancing. If you are feeling unwell, please do not visit a facility.
Exceptions
- Proof of vaccination is not required for children under the age of 12
Grace period for children turning 12 in 2022 who play indoor organized sports
Effective Saturday, January 1, 2022, children who turn 12 in 2022 will have a grace period of 12 weeks (three months) from their birthday, during which they will not need to show proof of vaccination at indoor sports and recreation facilities.
Medical exceptions
Individuals who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical exemptions are required to present identification and appropriate written documentation from a physician or registered nurse stating the individual is exempt for a medical reason.
Parents/guardians, spectators ages 12 and over and all other visitors who do not meet the exemption criteria above must provide proof of vaccination and show ID before entering. Where adult participation and/or supervision is required, the adult accompanying the individual must show proof of vaccination and ID before entering.
All visitors, regardless of exemption, must still complete the online screening form at RichmondHill.ca/Screening before entering and must adhere to other health and safety requirements when inside the facility.
Those who wish to withdraw from a program can contact recreation@richmondhill.ca.
Where applicable, you are encouraged to speak with your sports leagues and organizations for any additional requirements they may have implemented.
The health and safety of our staff and visitors is a priority for the City. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
For more information on the provincial proof of vaccination guidelines, visit the Ontario government's Frequently Asked Questions page or the Proof of Vaccination/Exemptions page.
Additional Health and Safety Measures
- Face masks or coverings are 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.
- Signage is 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.
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Please note that facilities and programs are subject to change based on provincial COVID-19 restrictions.
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City services
Select in-person services are available at both the main Municipal Offices and the Operations Centre. For speed and convenience, residents are encouraged to continue using the City’s wide range of online service where possible instead of visiting a facility.
| Services available at the main Municipal Offices - 225 East Beaver Creek Road |
|
The main Municipal Offices feature a new customer-centric service area on the ground floor, which will increase safety and accessibility for residents by removing the need to travel between multiple floors. Visitors will find it more streamlined and convenient to have Access Richmond Hill, Office of the Clerk, Planning Services, Building Services and Development Engineering Services all located by the main entrance.
| What you need to know before visiting |
- While some services are available by walk-in, others require appointments to be booked in advance. Virtual appointments may also be available
- An online COVID-19 health screening form must be completed before visiting. You will be asked to show the results at the door. Do not visit if you are unwell.
- Proof of vaccination will not be required to visit the main Municipal Offices or the Operations Centre
- Face coverings/masks are required indoors
- Visitors can only access the buildings through the front doors
- Contactless payment is available and encouraged
- Additional health and safety measures such as physical distancing and capacity limits are in place. Please be aware outdoor lineups may occur
- Services and requirements may be subject to change due to provincial COVID-19 restrictions. Visitors are encouraged to visit this webpage for the latest information before attending a City facility
- City offices are closed on holidays, including September 30 for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
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The following in-person services are available at 225 East Beaver Creek Road:
- Marriage licences (appointment required; initial application can be done online)
- Parking and By-law penalty notice payments (online option available)
- Garbage tag, green bin and blue box sales
- Routine Disclosures and Requests for Records (online option available)
- Commissioning of documents (appointment required)
- Municipal related invoice payments (with hardcopy of the bill)
- Tax and water bill payments (can also be done online through your bank)
- Apply for, change or cancel pre-authorized payments for water and property bills (online option available)
- Residential building permit application (online option available)
- Building Permit pre-consultation meeting (appointment required)
- Site alteration permit application prescreening (appointment required)
- Technical inquiries related to site alteration permits and subdivisions, site plans and grading complaints (appointment required)
- Traffic complaints (appointment required; email option available: traffic.inquiries@richmondhill.ca)
While the main Municipal Offices are open on the ground floor for service, Council meetings will remain virtual for residents to view or participate. City staff are pursuing a hybrid model of Council meeting which could allow for a combination of in-person and virtual participation. This will be tested with Members of Council this fall before inviting the public back in person.
We are here to help
The Access Richmond Hill Contact Centre can help you with general inquiries and respond to questions or concerns about programs and services. We also offer translation assistance for residents who need services in languages other than English.
If you have questions about how to access a City service, please visit RichmondHill.ca or contact Access Richmond Hill by email at access@richmondhill.ca or by phone at 905-771-8800 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Residents can also report a problem (e.g. missed garbage collection, streetlight out), and/or submit a general inquiry using our online portal.
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| Services available at the Operations Centre - 1200 Elgin Mills Road East |
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The following in-person services are available at 1200 Elgin Mills Road East:
- Garbage tag, green bin and blue box sales
- Parking and By-law penalty notice screenings and hearings (appointment required; online screenings available)
- Parking and By-law penalty notice payments (online option available)
- Sign retrievals (payment and pick-up of sign)
- Fire Route sign sales
- Recreation facility bookings (appointment required; online option available)
| What you need to know before visiting |
- While some services are available by walk-in, others require appointments to be booked in advance. Virtual appointments may also be available
- An online COVID-19 health screening form must be completed before visiting. You will be asked to show the results at the door. Do not visit if you are unwell.
- Proof of vaccination will not be required to visit the main Municipal Offices or the Operations Centre
- Face coverings/masks are required indoors
- Visitors can only access the buildings through the front doors
- Contactless payment is encouraged, where available
- Additional health and safety measures such as physical distancing and capacity limits are in place. Please be aware outdoor lineups may occur
- Services and requirements may be subject to change due to provincial COVID-19 restrictions. Visitors are encouraged to visit this webpage for the latest information before attending a City facility
- City offices are closed on holidays, including September 30 for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
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Help for businesses
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting companies locally and globally. We're compiling information and resources for companies to help deal with the challenges during and after the pandemic.
Community Recognition Certificate
Richmond Hill’s Community Recognition Certificate recognizes individuals and organizations in the community that have helped others during the COVID-19 pandemic. Do you know someone who has made a measureable, positive, impact on the community during the pandemic? Nominate them today for a Community Recognition Certificate!
For more information on the certificate nomination process, visit RichmondHill.ca/CommunityCertificate.
Additional resources
