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.

Get to Know Our PLAN for SNOW
The City maintains 1,100 lane km of roads, nearly 750 km of sidewalks and clears snow windrows from the end of 50,000+ residential driveways. Our winter operations plan prioritizes community safety and mobility. We aim to maintain routes, so they are safe and passable. Some snow and/or slush may remain in places.
Plowing begins once 5+cm of snow has accumulated. Once the snow stops, we aim to clear routes in:
- 14 hours for sidewalks
- 13 hours for windrows
- 16 hours for roads
- 24 hours for wide bends, dead ends and cul-de-sacs
Learn more about snow clearing in Richmond Hill.
Winter Parking
Reminder that there is no on-street parking between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m., December 1 to March 31 unless you have a permit. When 5+cm of snow is expected, the City will declare a Winter Parking Event and on-street parking is prohibited. Roads need to be kept clear for plows and emergency vehicles. Subscribe for Winter Event notifications.
The City’s Budget is Your Budget
Mayor West’s 2025 Budget was adopted on December 11. The budget reflects a responsible approach to maintaining the many programs and City services our residents rely on.
There will be a 4.69% property tax rate increase for Richmond Hill taxpayers, reflecting a 3.19% increase for the operating budget and a 1.5% increase for the Capital Asset Sustainability Levy. This increase equals $8.37 more per month on the City’s portion of the tax bill for the average single detached residential property in the city.
The budget provides for our community today and sets our vision for tomorrow. Learn more about the 2025 Budget.
We're Hiring!
Come join our team. We’re hiring facility attendants, fitness instructors, school crossing guards, skating instructors, and more! Apply today!
Citywide Snow Windrow Clearing Service
The City clears snow windrows from 50,000+ local, residential driveways. A snow windrow is the pile of snow left at the bottom of a driveway after a snow plow has cleared the road.
Windrow clearing begins two hours after road plows begin their routes and may take up to 13 hours to complete after the end of a snowfall. Times vary depending on the length of the storm, snow accumulation and time of day (e.g. rush hour).
You can help operations run smoothly by keeping the bottom of your driveway clear of obstacles such as parked cars, waste bins, sports equipment and/or landscaping features.
Please note:
- After clearing, some residual snow/ice may remain
- Sidewalk windrows are not included in the windrow clearing program
>> More on our Windrow Clearing program.
Avoid Frozen Pipes this Winter
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Make sure your basement has adequate heat during winter (at least 15°C or 60°F)
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Disconnect garden hoses and close the inside line valve to shut off the water to the outside
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Use caulk or insulation to seal leaks that allow cold air inside, especially in areas near pipes
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Ensure hot water pipes are well-insulated – use foam pipe insulation on pipes near outside walls or in crawl spaces and attics
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If you’re away, have someone check the house to ensure the heat is on and that no problems occur
Track My Plow
Use the RHPlows map to track City road and windrow clearing activities in your neighbourhood.
Your City at Work
Revitalization work at Bayview Hill Park is progressing well – the south area is now complete! The community centre is accessible through the new pathways.
Construction of the tennis courts and pickleball courts are also complete and scheduled to open in Spring 2025. Visit the Parks Projects page for updates on other features, including the washroom building and ice rink.
Restoring the Observatory Dome
Restoration work is underway on the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory Dome that houses the 74” telescope. While the Dome is closed for repair, programming is still available in the Administration Building and outdoors (weather permitting). Join us for Astronomy Family Nights, Speaker Nights, festivities for the holidays, and more opportunities to learn about the night sky.
Get Involved
The City is working on a Micromobility Strategy that will guide decisions on regulating the use of devices like e-bikes and e-scooters on roads, trails and parks as well as consider whether cycling on sidewalks should be permitted. Subscribe to the Micromobility webpage for updates on future public consultations.
Introducing our Seniors Coffee Chat Program!
Each month, we host sessions for our Adult 55+ community on a variety of topics like crime prevention, history and healthy living. Register today for a session to enjoy a cup of coffee while connecting with fellow seniors. Explore the list of upcoming Coffee Chats.
Traffic Safety
The City is taking action to improve traffic safety, including addressing speeding in a number of neighbourhoods. In 2024,17 locations received traffic calming measures like speed cushions and pedestrian crossovers. A number of public education sessions were held throughout the city to discuss new locations selected for traffic calming measures in 2025. Learn more on the Traffic webpage.
Action on Housing
Richmond Hill is taking bold actions to help address the nationwide housing crisis. Through our Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) initiatives, we continue to create more homes for more people. In November, the Community Improvement Plan for Affordable Housing and Sustainable Design was approved. It establishes financial programs to incentivize the building of more affordable and sustainably designed housing. This new program will be launched in early 2025.
Explore Winter in Richmond Hill
- Discover Parks and Trails: Snow shoe, cross-country ski or take a hike in our winter wonderland! When it snows, the City’s parks and trails are beautiful to explore and photograph. You can also take your pup with you to enjoy our two off-leash dog areas. >> Learn more
- Glide through the Great Outdoors: Richmond Green Skate Trail is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Skating on Mill Pond and Lake Wilcox will open this winter if weather permits. Subscribe for ice updates.
- Laugh, Sing and Dance: This theatre season features an eclectic lineup of artists spanning genres from classic rock, stand- up comedy, alternative and country to cabaret, circus arts, family entertainment, and more. See what's on at the Theatre.
- Go for a Dip: Enjoy a lane swim, leisure swim or even one of our fun ‘n’ fit swims. We also offer swimming programs for all ages, lifesaving and leadership programs for teens. Visit our Swimming programs page.
- Yes, at the Library!: Borrow equipment, tools, technologies, household items, and more from our new Library of Things*. Don’t have a library card? Sign up for a free membership at any of our branches. Browse the Library website.
Life in Your City
- Report urgent after hours by-law concerns. If you see an urgent bylaw situation that puts the public at risk, call our after hours By-Law Enforcement Line at 905-771-5458.
- Most dogs love walks. Leashing your dog helps prevent them from getting lost, running into traffic or eating stuff they shouldn’t. It’s important to keep your dog leashed unless in a designated off-leash area to help ensure a safe and enjoyable walk for everyone.
- Help keep our roads safe for everyone. Reminder to move basketball nets, garbage bins and other roadway obstructions off the street. Learn more about the City's By-laws.
ICYMI - In case you missed it
- Richmond Hill continues to implement the City’s Strategic Plan, with our Vision of a vibrant and inclusive city of neighbours. Watch for our progress report in February.
- The City hosted the Outcomes of the War of 1812 Exhibit on loan from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, taking steps towards reconciliation work with one of our Treaty Partners.
- Richmond Hill is the new headquarters for the United Nations University, partnering on sustainability and environmental initiatives that will benefit the City, Canada and the rest of the world.
Birthday Party Packages
Host your next Birthday Party with us! We offer a variety of fun-filled options and activities for all ages in our Birthday Party Packages.
Tea Anyone?
Enjoy one of our popular afternoon teas at the Heritage Centre. Guests are treated to a selection of dainty sandwiches, scones served with our special heritage cream and preserves, and sweet treats. Choose from our exclusive tea blends, coffee, lemonade or hot chocolate. Make sure to sign up fast as these teas sellout quickly! Learn about Afternoon Teas on the Heritage Centre page.
Quick Tips: Pest Proof Your Home
Keep garbage secure until it’s time to be picked up. Properly secure your garbage cans and green bins. Store in a closed shed or garage where possible.
- Eliminate food sources. Prevent bird seed spills by filling your feeder carefully and storing birdseed in closed metal bins. Cleanup pet droppings from the yard daily. Clear fallen fruit, bird seed and nuts from the ground.
- Seal holes into sheds and houses with wood or metal. Secure spaces underneath decks and porches by repairing any holes that lead underneath.
Access Richmond Hill
Contact Access Richmond Hill for City services and information on snow clearing, streetlight maintenance requests, water shutoffs due to burst pipes flooding, fallen or damaged trees on City property and more.
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