The team is involved with the review and testing of fire protection systems for new construction. They conduct approximately 1,000 Fire Code inspections annually and issue open air fire permits and even deal with hoarding!

The Fire Prevention Division also delivers fire and life safety education through public programming. The Public Education team provides residents with the tools and information they need to stay safe and deal with emergencies. They coordinate fire department special events like fire station tours, school presentations, Fire Prevention Week, Open House, Emergency Preparedness Week and more.

Did you know? The Fire Education Team hosts an annual Junior Firefighter poster contest for grade three students. Winners attend Junior Firefighter Day where they participate in activities like fire truck inspection, hose target, fire prevention escape room and more!

Recently Fire Prevention Public Educator Shanyn Godward won Fire Prevention Employee of the Year from the Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association. The annual award recognizes significant contributions made by an individual in the field of fire prevention and public education. Congratulations Shanyn!

Richmond Hill’s firefighters are here to protect the community and it’s our Fire and Emergency Services’ (RHFES) Training Division that ensure they stay up-to-date on the newest training and techniques that can make a difference in emergency situations.

Training is delivered by Shift Training Instructors who are certified to the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 1041 Instructor standards. They provide training in areas such as fire suppression, medical response and technical rescue. They also make sure firefighters complete annual NFPA requirements so that their skills – including confined space rescue, ice/water rescue, vehicle extrications and so much more – remain at the highest standards.

Additionally, training staff operate the RHFES Training Centre – a modern facility that includes a multi-level training tower for realistic live fire training exercises.   

Did you know? RHFES firefighters aren’t the only ones who train at this state of the art facility – members of other York Region fire departments, colleges and fire academies have also been training here since the doors opened in 2009. The Centre is rented more than 90 days per year, training over 1800 firefighting students annually.

 “As a Firefighter Survival Training Instructor, I am truly proud of the work we do. The survival skills we teach help our firefighters in situations where their own lives may be at risk. This training can make the difference between life and death, so that our firefighters have a better chance of going home to their families at the end of their shift.”  - Captain Peter Hogan, Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services

One of their many responsibilities is identifying and repairing potholes in Richmond Hill local roads. In 2019, the team repaired over 1000 of them.

In 2020, Road Maintenance staff piloted new artificial intelligence technology (called ROVER) to enhance the inspection of road infrastructure. The ROVER technology, housed in a windshield-mounted smartphone camera (pictured at right), uploads photos and details about potholes such as location and severity.

With this technology, staff can identify potholes more easily, which keeps Richmond Hill roads safer through faster repairs.  

Richmond Hill received a Founding Member award from Visual Defence Inc., the creator of ROVER technology, recognizing its leadership, innovation and collaboration in using artificial intelligence to help keep roads safer.

“Working in Roads Maintenance, we have pride in the work we do to keep the roads and sidewalks in great condition for the community."   - Len Giacalone, Roads Operator III

Ontario Good Roads Association Award

Richmond Hill was honoured to win an Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA) 2020 John Niedra Better Practices Competition award for our innovative use of artificial intelligence to find and analyze potholes! The awards “showcase the ingenuity of municipal employees and recognize innovations and achievements that improve the efficiency of our municipal transportations through public works, services and operations.”  Our joint submission with Visual Defence and the City of Markham highlights our success with automatic pothole detection.

Did you know? We’re celebrating Richmond Hill’s 150th anniversary! At right is a photo of Yonge Street, looking north from about Arnold Crescent, in January 1908. Read on for highlights of snow clearing in 2023. 

Spotlight on...Road Plowing Operations 

Our winter maintenance staff are constantly monitoring weather and road conditions. So when there is the chance of icy conditions or snowfall in Richmond Hill, our road plow operators are ready for it. Day or night – they are the ones going out at all hours in bad weather to help make city streets safe for the rest of us to travel.

Snow plowing operations are initiated once 5+cm of snow has accumulated. Plow operators aim to clear Richmond Hill’s 1,200 lane km of roads within 16 hours and wide bends, dead ends and cul-de-sacs within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall. Times may vary due to snowfall amounts, length of storm, time of day etc.

Plow operators plot strategic and efficient routes through the city clearing primary roads first, followed by secondary roads. These routes also keep them hugging the right curb, as plows can’t turn left while clearing snow or they would leave a windrow of snow across intersections. That’s why they often clear sides of the same road at different times.

Regional roads such as Major Mackenzie Drive and Leslie Street are cleared by York Region plows. 

When snow clearing is complete, Operations staff will continue monitoring for areas that need attention.

“There’s a sense of accomplishment when we’re done clearing the roads after a snow storm. Everyone is tired but we know we’ve made a difference and the community can travel safely.”  Anthony Guarrasi, Operator 1 – Roads

Spotlight on...Sidewalk Clearing Operations 

Richmond Hill winters come with a lot of snow and cold, but that doesn’t stop our sidewalk operations team from getting out in the less than desirable weather when it hits. They provide a critical service in keeping our community safe and mobile during the winter months and are always ready to contend with long hours and harsh winter weather.

Working as a team together with the roads operations crews, they ensure our nearly 750 km of sidewalks and select multi-use pathways are clear of ice and snow, so that everyone can get to where they need to, safely.  

Through significant training, the sidewalk operations team has the skill and knowledge required to operate the City’s 35 sidewalk plows, aiming to de-ice and/or carefully clear sidewalks and multi-use pathways within 14 hours of a snowfall. Staff clear snow and apply a mixture of sand/salt to promote traction and reduce ice and snow buildup. Factors such as freezing and thawing of ice and snow, as well as blowing snow create challenges often requiring multiple passes. And the job doesn’t end there – once the snow is cleared, sidewalk operations staff continuously perform routine ice spot checks and apply salt when required. 

“As a sidewalk plow operator, I am proud to be part of a huge team effort in keeping our sidewalks safe so that everyone in our community can continue to use them during the winter.” Robert Bowden, Sidewalk Plow Operator

Our Public Works Operations Waste team works hard seven days a week, 365 days per year, to keep our parks clean and sustainable for all to enjoy. They monitor and empty more than 650 waste and recycling bins per week, on three different waste collection routes. The team operates four specialized waste collection trucks and collect waste from 171 City parks, including sports fields, playgrounds, splash pads and trails. They clean up litter from park grounds and illegal dumping.

The team supports popular City events like Canada Day, Ribfest & Concerts in the Park by delivering and setting up equipment, tables and chairs and providing waste management services.

Did you know? Team members walk approximately 21,000 steps per day to keep our parks looking their best!

“We see the positive impact of our work daily, knowing that visitors can enjoy clean and safe parks in Richmond Hill because of our efforts.”  - Shayne Hartin, Supervisor Waste Collections

The Access Richmond Hill contact centre serves as a single point entry for customer service inquiries and resident concerns about City programs and services. In addition to phone, email and in-person services, they also manage requests through our online service portal, where you can notify the City about missed garbage collection or if a streetlight is out, and can help you schedule specialized services such as large appliance collection. 

Throughout the pandemic, the staff in Access Richmond Hill continued to support the community by transitioning to a virtual environment. In 2020, they delivered accessible and consistent service to 79,350 residents over the phone and responded to over 15,940 emails and 4,330 web inquiries.

"The advisors on this team can take over 100 calls each on a busy day! Whether it’s a question about tax or water bills or an inquiry about recreation programs, I am most proud when I am solving their concerns and providing the information they need to enjoy living in Richmond Hill." – Lisa Rotman, ARH Advisor

Did you know? The advisors in Access Richmond Hill also offer translation assistance for residents who need services in languages other than English.

Richmond Hill’s summer camp staff are the heart and soul of our summer camp programs, welcoming children and youth each year to explore, challenge themselves and have fun. Our dedicated team of counsellors, supervisors, directors and recreation assistants work tirelessly to create safe, engaging and inclusive experiences for campers from ages 4 to 18.

Richmond Hill’s summer camp staff are trained in Standard First Aid and CPR-C, and complete vulnerable sector checks. They participate in three full days of hands-on training prior to the start of the season to ensure every camper has a safe and positive environment to make new friends, build confidence and try something new.

The team works year-round to carefully curate a wide variety of programs – from archery and climbing to dance, sports and art – as well as inclusive options for children with disabilities.

Thanks to the dedication of our approximately 255 summer camp staff, Richmond Hill’s camps are more than just a place to play – they’re a place to grow.

Did you know… we offer over 48 different camps with over 12,000 children in attendance?

Putting your tax dollars to work

Since opening its doors in 2009, the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts (RHCPA) has been brought to life by a passionate team of professionals dedicated to creating memorable experiences for every guest who walks through its doors. Combining creativity, technical expertise, and operational excellence, RHCPA staff play an essential role in enriching the cultural landscape of Richmond Hill and York Region.

Behind every performance is a talented team working across a variety of disciplines. From programming and scheduling events, coordinating productions and managing budgets, to overseeing sound, lighting, ticketing, and front-of-house services, each staff member contributes a unique skill set that helps deliver exceptional arts and entertainment experiences to the community. 

The RHCPA team supports more than 300 events each year, ranging from private rentals such as dance recitals and community celebrations to the RHCPA Presents season, featuring an exciting lineup of concerts, theatrical productions, comedy, cultural performances, and much more.

Welcoming more than 150,000 visitors annually, the RHCPA is one of the busiest performing arts venues in Southern Ontario. We invite you to experience the excitement of live performance in this intimate and premier destination, located in the heart of Richmond Hill’s downtown village core. 

Richmond Hill Lifeguards, Swim Instructors, and Attendants are critical to making sure our residents have a safe, fun time in the pool. These staff require multiple certifications and as many as 150 hours of specialized training, so they have the knowledge and skills to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies.

Every year, our Swim Instructors also help hundreds of children and adults learn to swim, following the Lifesaving Society’s Swim for Life and Lifesaving programs.

“I am proud to work as a Lifeguard for the City of Richmond Hill. As lifeguards we help keep people safe while also getting to know many wonderful residents and working with an amazing team.”
- Masoumeh “Massi” Daghighi, City of Richmond Hill Lifeguard
 

Did you know? We're hiring for lifeguards and aquatics staff! Many people who began with the City of Richmond Hill in recreation and aquatics roles have gone on to wonderful careers in the organization, including in Human Resources, Communications, Parks, Fire Services, Recreation Management, Bylaws and the Theatre. This could be your first step on a successful career path! Visit Jobs.RichmondHill.ca today to apply.

Richmond Hill has a history of delivering vibrant and inclusive events for the community. Within the City’s Recreation and Culture Division, the Cultural Services Section has a dedicated team of Special Events staff responsible for the delivery of unique and inclusive events that promote community wellness, vibrancy, cultural development, and volunteer participation. These experiences are recognized to have significant value by citizens and visitors and are a vital ingredient in bringing community members together. In 2025, over 90,000 attendees participated at City events, demonstrating the strong demand for community events in Richmond Hill.

The execution of these award-winning events would not be possible without inter-departmental collaboration to support programming, logistics and operational needs. Volunteers also play a crucial role at City-led events, welcoming over 350 volunteers across these events on an annual basis.

In 2026, the City adopted its new Events Strategy, a 10-year plan shaped by extensive research and community engagement. The strategy establishes a clear vision for the future: Events for Everyone – Connecting People, Places and Possibilities. The Event Services team looks forward to bringing this vision to life and building on the vibrancy, connection and sense of community that events create across Richmond Hill.

 Spotlight on Arena Facility Operations

Spraying water to create one thin layer of ice at a time, our certified arena facility staff are trained to carefully transform a chilled concrete pad into a skating rink, building it up until it becomes perfect for skating. In between layers, they are also the ones painting logos and lines onto the ice required for ice sports like hockey, ringette and figure skating. Did you know… ice is only 1 ½ - 1 ¾ inches thick once complete!

Once ice is ready for skating, our staff ensure ice quality is maintained by monitoring temperatures every two hours, and drilling holes in the ice on a weekly basis to measure thickness. They also operate ice resurfacers (sometimes known as Zambonis) in between skates.

The job doesn’t end there. Our staff are on hand during skating programs to assist patrons and ensure our change rooms and the facilities are kept in excellent condition. Without them, a fun and safe skating experience in Richmond Hill would not be possible.

 “Correctly maintaining ice is no easy task. Knowledge, experience, and pride contribute to the safe, quality ice we provide in Richmond Hill. This, in turn, leads to people returning again and again to enjoy our skating facilities.” – Randy Milford, Building Maintenance Repair Person

Richmond Hill Public Library has over 500,000 physical items across its four locations and adds approximately 50,000 items annually. The Library’s digital branch consists of over 44,000 books and eAudiobooks for loan on OverDrive. The Collections team selects and purchases materials in a variety of formats, including items in over 15 languages, materials for people learning English as a Second Language (ESL) and large print text for persons with visual impairments.

The Collections team also purchase selections of video games, DVDs, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Kits, Ontario Parks passes, and various apps including on-demand creative tutorials (Creativebug), digital magazines and newspapers (PressReader) and language learning (Mango Languages).

Collections staff work alongside other library staff to curate topical book displays in branches and online book lists too. They also weed out worn or outdated items and help to digitize materials that highlight the history of Richmond Hill. Staff regularly attend publisher’s meetings to learn about the books that are soon to be released that might be of interest to the Richmond Hill community.  

“One of my favourite parts of my job is getting to hear from customers about the books and materials they want to see in the Library. Anyone can recommend a book to us via the Suggest A Purchase form on our website and, as an avid reader myself, I’m always excited to hear about new books and authors that I may not have come across before.” Beth Zabloski, Acting Manager, Collections. 

Did you know? Almost 10,000 more eBooks were checked out in 2020 during COVID-19 closures compared to the same time in 2019.

 Spotlight on... Richmond Hill's Natural Environment Team

The team leads a wide range of programs in partnership with organizations such as the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Ontario Streams and Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF), engaging more than 5,000 citizens each year in tree planting, sustainable and community gardening and other educational initiatives. They collaborate closely with schools, local groups and residents to foster environmental stewardship and awareness.

The team also runs ecological restoration, and habitat creation programs in parks and natural areas like David Dunlap Observatory Park, Beaver Woodland and Phyllis Rawlinson Park. This work includes hazardous tree and invasive species removal, tree planting and meadow creation. In addition, the Healthy Yards Program engages local residents to grow native plants at home in their yards, helping to enhance biodiversity and the environment across the community.

Thanks to their efforts and the help of partners, community volunteers and private residents, more than 11,300+ trees and shrubs and 3,700 wildflowers are planted annually throughout the city. From identifying planting sites and sourcing native plants, managing invasive species, inspecting trails, providing residents with gardening and planting opportunities and coordinating volunteers, their year-round, hands-on work helps ensure Richmond Hill remains green, vibrant, and resilient.

"Every day is a new and exciting day working as a Natural Environment Project Coordinator. Seeing the change in landscapes generated from the work we do and all of the benefits these changes provide generations to come is truly rewarding." - Antonio Munafo, Natural Environment Project Coordinator 

From conceptualization to construction, Richmond Hill’s award-winning Parks Design and Construction team creates a sense of place and belonging in the City’s remarkable parks and green spaces. 

When creating park concepts, our skilled landscape architects and project managers take inspiration from unique features of the space and the neighbourhood to make every park one-of-a-kind. For example, at Rouge Crest Park a vertical maze overcomes space constraints to give a unique play experience and provides visual interest in the landscape.

The team considers many factors when designing a park – who will use the park, environmental sustainability, accessibility, usage through all four seasons, sun and shade, best location for play structures, placement of sports courts such as basketball nets, durability, ongoing maintenance and more. Our Parks Design and Construction team leave a legacy in our city, through the careful planning, design and construction of our unique parks and green spaces, for all to enjoy.

Richmond Hill currently boasts 167 parks, 162 km of trails and 689 hectares of natural areas for residents and visitors to explore and discover, featuring many unique and award-winning amenities. 

“Parks make a difference in people’s lives. To see the community use and enjoy the parks I helped design… that’s the best part of my job.”  - James Condron, Project Manager, Infrastructure Delivery 

Richmond Hill’s Horticulture team works hard year-round to design, plant, install and maintain the magnificent flower displays and gardens throughout the city. Our skilled and creative Gardeners and Operators take great pride in the work they do to keep our community vibrant and beautiful for people and pollinators.  

In spring, they plant more than 65,000 plants, which includes a variety of flower types and native species, in different colours, sizes and textures. It takes about two weeks to plant and install the 420 hanging baskets, 460 flower barrels and 1,148 garden beds across the city. Then, their focus changes to caring for and maintaining the displays throughout the rest of spring and summer. The team works in varying temperatures and weather conditions, ensuring flowers are watered, weeds are pulled and hedges are trimmed.

In the fall, they meticulously design and plant the beautiful autumn planters found at our municipal facilities. They also plant 20,000 tulip bulbs throughout the City’s gardens that will bloom the following spring.  

When winter arrives, the Horticulture team works with our Winter Maintenance crews clearing sidewalks and windrows, they install and maintain holiday/winter light displays and prune vegetation along streets, sidewalks and trails. They are also busy planning ahead, designing displays and ordering plants in anticipation of the upcoming season.

“Being a part of the Horticulture team means we get to work outdoors, doing what we love, with so many amazing people. Knowing that all of the hard work and creativity we put into our jobs contributes to the beauty, and quality of life in Richmond Hill, gives our work extra meaning.”  - Melissa Campbell, Gardener and Cherry Pan, Operator III 

Throughout the summer, members of the City’s splash pad crew visit the pads at least once a day to inspect the water-play areas, making sure they are clean and free of sharp objects, and perform any maintenance required.

Our larger splash pads at Lake Wilcox and Rouge Crest use a complex water recirculation system to conserve water. These splash pads include a three-part filtration system using chlorine, UV and sand filters that must be carefully monitored and maintained throughout the day by certified pool operators. They clean out filters, test the water every two hours and watch for factors, such as sunscreen and heavy rains, that can affect the water’s chemical balance. Staff ensure that all our splash pads meet York Region and provincial health and safety standards.

Also as part of our water conservation efforts, some of our smaller splash pads collect runoff, which staff then use to water the turf on our sports fields!

Spotlight on Urban Forestry

The Urban Forestry team takes care of the trees on City property including along streets, in parks and open spaces. The annual tree care program consists of planting, pruning, removals, stumping, insect control, storm damage and more. The team also responds to more than 2,000 requests for maintenance on municipal trees each year. You can report a public tree that needs attention through our Access Richmond Hill portal.

In 2021, the Urban Forestry team also managed a re-emergence of spongy moth, an insect that feeds on the leaves of trees. Long-term effects can be reduced or prevented through management techniques, such as removing egg masses from street and park trees.

“I have been planting and maintaining the city trees for over 30 years. It is nice to see the trees we have planted develop over time to form mature and healthy tree lined streets. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication the Urban Forestry crews demonstrate day in and day out.”    – Mark Davies, Supervisor, Urban Forestry

Did you know? Richmond Hill staff and contractors plant roughly 1,500 trees on public property every year! These efforts contributed to Richmond Hill being named a Tree City of the World, an international recognition for our leadership in maintaining and growing our urban forest.

Did you know? Many of Richmond Hill’s crossing guards have spent decades in this role, with some proudly serving for over 30 years, building a legacy of care and community connection.

Richmond Hill's Economic Development team provides a valuable resource to local businesses, working hard to build strategic partnerships, support entrepreneurship and provide services that help local businesses thrive. From assisting with site selection and navigating government processes to providing information about funding programs and connecting companies to key people or organizations, the team offers a variety of services that help equip businesses with the tools and insights they need to grow. 

Richmond Hill's Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) is a one-stop source for business information and guidance, offering business consultations, networking opportunities and self-help services to support entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey. The SBEC team runs a series of virtual webinars and in-person seminars year-round on a variety of business-related topics. They also host annual events like their Entrepreneurship Finance Conference and International Women’s Day Celebration Week to better engage with local Richmond Hill entrepreneurs, providing valuable resources and connections.

With a focus on creating a supportive environment for businesses to flourish, Richmond Hill’s Economic Development team is committed to making the city a top destination for businesses of all sizes!

Did you know?  Richmond Hill is home to more than 5,000 diverse businesses. From head offices to small start-ups, Richmond Hill is always thinking forward, creating opportunities that inspire growth and success.

"As a bridge-builder and problem-solver for entrepreneurs in Richmond Hill, I take pride in helping them thrive and make a positive impact in our community. Seeing their businesses grow and succeed is truly rewarding. Their success contributes to the growth of our City’s economy."   - Priti Ruparel, Small Business Consultant

It’s a very detailed process. When staff review permit plans and drawings, they look at room sizes, energy efficiency, ceiling heights, fire protection requirements and many other rules that apply to construction projects. In 2025, 1,771 total building permits were issued with an estimated construction value of almost $1.6 billion. 

Online building permit submissions launched in 2020. Staff are able to review plans and issue permits digitally making the process much more efficient for both City staff and applicants.

“Our Building Division team strives to enhance the quality of community life by respecting the safety of buildings with reference to health, life safety, accessibility and structural sufficiency. We are committed to providing exceptional public service in a cost-effective, fair and consistent manner.”   - Abbas Akhavan, P.Eng., Building Engineer, Building Division

Did you know? The reason houses have minimal windows and doors on the side that faces the neighbour is not for privacy, but for fire safety! Fewer openings (called unprotected openings) means less chance for a fire to jump from one home to the next.

Richmond Hill’s Infrastructure Delivery Services team is always looking for innovative ways to maintain and replace aging infrastructure. This includes the 640 km of watermain in the City.

Last year, they began the replacement of 1.6 km of watermain on Major Mackenzie Drive, from Yonge Street to Bathurst Street. 

The team opted to use a minimal-impact, trenchless method of installing underground utilities called horizontal directional drilling. It required less digging and allowed the watermain to be installed underneath existing infrastructure, trees and creeks.

Horizontal directional drilling is typically twice as fast as traditional construction methods, reducing the repairs required on the road and minimizing traffic disruption.

 “I’m proud we can use innovative technology to ensure that the watermain continues to deliver safe, drinking water to our residents while minimizing disruptions to residents and motorists. In fact, this length of watermain brings water to the hospital and we are pleased to report that work was completed without any interruption of services to the hospital.”   - Kasia Piskorz, Project Manager  

The City’s newly-approved Asset Management Plan outlines the different approaches to maintain assets in a safe and cost-effective way, to ensure our community stays safe and services are maintained.

To help staff manage the City’s infrastructure across many service areas, the Corporate Asset Management and Information Technology teams developed the Enterprise Asset Management System. This web-based system helps staff use data on City assets and forecast the investment needed to maintain them for up to 100 years.

“The Corporate Asset Management team’s focus is to help Richmond Hill maximize the value of its assets over time. We take great pride in getting the most from the City’s assets and protecting tax dollars.”  - Andrew Nichols, Project Manager Corporate Asset Management

Did you know? Richmond Hill’s main infrastructure assets are valued at $7.2 billion.