My Richmond Hill Newsletter
The City of Richmond Hill distributes the 'My Richmond Hill' print newsletter twice a year to all Richmond Hill households. This page showcases the stories from the most recent edition.
We're Snow Ready!
We’re here for you when winter hits. Our crews maintain 1,100+ lane km of roads and nearly 750 km of sidewalks. We also clear snow windrows from the end of 50,000+ residential driveways.
Safety and mobility are our top priorities. We aim to keep routes safe and passable.
Plowing starts when snowfall reaches 5 cm or more. Once the snow stops, we work to clear:
- Roads within 16 hours
- Sidewalks within 14 hours
- Windrows within 13 hours
- Dead ends/cul-de-sacs within 24 hours
Extreme Weather
Heavy snow, freezing rain and wind create challenges for snow clearing and operations may take longer than usual, especially on sidewalks. Please give our crews time to complete operations before contacting Access Richmond Hill with service requests. Stay in the know with our snow clearing news and notices.
Subscribe for 'No Street Parking' Notifications
From December 1 to March 31, there’s no on-street parking between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. unless you have a permit. When 5+ cm of snow is expected, the City declares a Winter Event – and no street parking is allowed, even with a temporary permit. This takes effect in advance of any snowfall.
Subscribe to be notified
RHDDO Pedestrian Bridge Takes Shape!
The David Dunlap Observatory bridge structure is now installed, bringing us one step closer to an accessible connection over the railway tracks. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
We're Hiring!
Flexible jobs. Great teams. We’re hiring skate instructors, ushers, lifeguards, swim instructors, crossing guards and more. Flexible hours, great teams and meaningful work. Apply today.
Blue Box Program Changes
Starting January 1, 2026
The Province of Ontario is transitioning the blue box program to a new model that makes producers of recyclable materials responsible for their collection and processing instead of municipalities.
What’s Changing:
- Circular Materials becomes administrator of residential recycling in Richmond Hill
- Miller Waste will provide collection and handle customer service inquiries (i.e. missed collections and bin sales)
- Blue boxes and green bins will be collected by separate trucks on the same day
What is NOT Changing:
- Your collection day and blue box remain the same – collection times will vary
- The City will continue to manage green bin, garbage and yard waste collection
Learn more about how the new program works.
What You Need to Know... Snow Windrow Clearing
The City clears the pile of snow or ‘snow windrow’ left at the bottom of your driveway after the plow goes by.
We aim to clear a minimum of one car width at the curb, so a car can pass through.
Windrow clearing starts about two hours after road plowing begins and can take up to 13 hours to complete after the snow stops. Please keep the
end of your driveway clear of cars, bins and other obstacles. Note: Sidewalk windrows are not cleared and some snow or ice may remain.
Coming Soon! Property Tax Customer Portal
We’re developing a self-service customer portal so you can go paperless, view and pay your tax bills online. Be the first to know: visit our Property Tax page and hit “Receive Email Updates” now.
Free Online Tool Helps Discover Home Heat Loss
Get a free personalized home heat loss map and learn how to save on energy thanks to a partnership between the City and Enbridge Gas. Look up your home address.
Free 'Climate Ready Homes' Consultations
With a few simple steps, you can protect your home and property from the effects of extreme weather. Learn about energy efficiency, water conservation, eco-landscaping and waste management plus rebate and incentive programs through a free one-on-one home consultation. Register online!
Do Your Doo-ty
On trails, in parks or just strolling your street – always pick up after your pet. It keeps our community clean and paws-itively welcoming for all. Help keep your community clean and pet-friendly.
Speak Up Richmond Hill
From planning to play, your input helps shape our city. Watch our website for engagement opportunities on the land use planning, recreation initiatives, strategies and more.
New Waterway Signs in Ojibway
New waterway signs written in Ojibway have been installed in three Richmond Hill parks – Lennox Park, Rouge River Headwaters Valley and Trails, and East Humber Trail – to identify the Don, Rouge and Humber Rivers. This initiative supports the City’s ongoing efforts to build meaningful relationships with Treaty Partners, including the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
Introducing a New Hub for Arts and Culture
Richmond Hill’s Cultural Centre at 10184 Yonge Street opened in October, welcoming residents into a vibrant space where creativity and community come together. Housed in the beautifully restored 1936 Post Office building, the Centre offers studio spaces, exhibition opportunities, a podcasting suite and collaborative meeting rooms – all designed to support artists, storytellers and curious minds alike.
Learn how the Cultural Centre is the perfect place for you to create and collaborate.
Winter Skies at the Observatory
Bundle up and discover the beauty of the night sky this winter at Richmond Hill’s national historic site – the David Dunlap Observatory. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a curious first-timer, cold-weather stargazing offers crisp skies and stunning views of winter constellations like Orion, Taurus and Gemini. Don’t forget warm layers, bring a folding chair, flashlight and binoculars or a telescope. Start your night sky journey with guided tour details and star chart tips.
Winter Your Way
Whether you’re all about fresh air or cozy corners, there’s a winter experience waiting for you in Richmond Hill.
- For the Adventurer – Bundle up and explore! Try snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or winter hikes through our parks and trails. Richmond Green Skate Trail and Bayview Hill Skating Rink will be open daily beginning mid-December. If the weather cooperates in the new year, Mill Pond and Lake Wilcox will open for outdoor skating.
- For the Cozy Crowd – From creating your own sourdough to enjoying free, weekly programs for babies and toddlers, there’s lots of fun happening at Richmond Hill Public Library. Or enjoy a live show at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts with music, comedy or theatre.
- For Families – Keep the kids active with drop-in skating and other recreation programs, Wave Swims or family nights at the David Dunlap Observatory. There’s something for every age and energy level.
Love Wildlife? Give Them Space
Admire from a distance and never feed wild animals – it’s unsafe and disrupts their natural habits. Keep pets leashed and let wildlife be wild.
Move, Make & Meditate
Stay active, connected and inspired this winter with Richmond Hill’s Adults 55+ programs! From nutrition and healthy aging workshops to yoga, meditation, seasonal crafts and monthly Coffee Chats at the McConaghy Centre – there’s something for everyone.
Licence to Play... and Stay Safe
Start 2026 off right by licensing your pets — and yes, cats too! It’s quick, easy and helps reunite lost fur babies with their families.
Life in Your City
Let’s all work together to keep our community looking great and safe for everyone!
- Keep Roadways and Sidewalks Clear. Help our snowplows do their job! Please remove basketball nets and other items from the edge of the road or sidewalk to keep streets safe and accessible during winter.
- Help Stormwater Drain. Prevent water pooling on the road by keeping leaves and snow away from catch basins near your home.
- Be Ready for Winter Storms. Stay safe and prepared: Keep flashlights, batteries, backup phone chargers and extra blankets on hand. Know where to report outages and stay informed.
ICYMI... in case you missed it
- Council approved the City’s Micromobility Strategy and Bylaw to regulate the use of e-bikes and e-scooters, including where to ride these devices.
- The City continues rolling out traffic safety measures to reduce speeding. Watch for new “slow down” signs, especially in residential areas.
- With the approval of its first Comprehensive Zoning By-law, the City achieved a significant milestone in setting modern development standards.
Stay Warm & Get Creative This Season!
Explore a variety of hands-on art workshops designed to spark your creativity and brighten the season. Whether you’re trying something new or refining your skills, there’s something for everyone.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm Rules Are Changing!
Starting January 1, 2026, a CO alarm will be required on EVERY STOREY of your home, in addition to outside each sleeping area. Prepare now! Find out how to protect your home and understand the new CO alarm regulations.
Access Richmond Hill
Contact Access Richmond Hill for City services and information on parks, road maintenance, City trees, permits, yard waste and more.
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