Nature lovers, this one’s for you! We’re creating a plan to further protect our green spaces, and your input is key. Share your ideas this fall! Stay tuned for details and sign up for updates below. 

Natural wonders in your own backyard

Our amazing natural spaces are a huge part of who we are and what makes our community special. Forests, wetlands, lakes, streams, and a wide range of native plants and wildlife help our city thrive. From the Oak Ridges Moraine to the Don, Rouge, and Humber river systems, important natural features are woven into every corner of our community. And of course, our beloved kettle lakes — Wilcox, Bond, and Phillips — are local favourites for a reason.

Have your say in how we protect the spaces you love

To keep these special places healthy for years to come, we’re creating a Natural Heritage Strategy (NHS) that will: 

• Identify important natural areas to restore and care for
• Improve connections between habitats
• Look for chances to add more protected parks and open spaces
• Strengthen policies and programs that protect nature across the city

We want to hear your thoughts on:

• Which natural spaces matter most to you?  

• What impacts are you most concerned about with respect to the City’s natural areas (i.e. climate change, ecosystem services, habitat for rare and endangered species, or access to nature)? 

Your feedback will help strengthen and better connect the City’s natural heritage system, ensuring the protection of natural spaces, biodiversity, and wildlife for future generations to enjoy.

Check back here for updates, workshops and surveys. You can also sign up for updates and let us know your thoughts by emailing diana.shermet@richmondhill.ca or  greeningthehill@richmondhill.ca. 

Proposed Project Timeline

• Phase 1: Background Analysis & Report (January to March 2026)
• Phase 2: Consultation and Engagement (Summer and Fall 2026)
• Phase 3: Natural Heritage Prioritization Model (April to September 2026)
• Phase 4: Draft Natural Heritage Strategy (May to December 2026)
• Phase 5: Council Approval of Final Strategy (June 2027)