
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.
Discover Your City with Passport to Culture
Looking for a fun way to discover arts, culture and heritage close to home? Passport to Culture is a free, digital tour that encourages you to visit cultural sites, events and programs across the city. From heritage spaces and galleries to festivals, performances and stargazing at the David Dunlap Observatory, each visit earns you a digital “stamp” toward completing your passport.
Getting started is easy. Use your mobile device to scan QR codes at participating locations or events, collect stamps as you go and explore at your own pace. Once you’ve collected the required number of stamps, you can enter for a chance to win a City of Richmond Hill Cultural Weekend Getaway.
Passport to Culture is family friendly and flexible, with free or low cost options available at every stop – perfect for weekend outings, summer adventures or spontaneous discoveries throughout the year.
Richmond Hill Votes - What to Know
The 2026 Municipal Election is coming this fall. Voting Day is October 26. Check the voters’ list to make sure your information is correct. Thinking about running as a candidate? Visit Richmond Hill Votes to learn more about the nomination process.
Headed to Lake Wilcox? Park for Free.
Richmond Hill residents can get a free 2026 parking permit, linked to a licence plate, for use at Lake Wilcox Park and Oak Ridges Community Centre. One per household. Apply online.
We're Hiring!
From seasonal roles to long-term careers, join our team and make a difference in your community. Apply today.
Supporting Local. Supporting Canadian.
This spring, Richmond Hill continued its work to promote local innovation, manufacturing and technology internationally with a clear focus on bringing opportunities back to the community.
In April, Economic Development staff joined Mayor West on an international mission to build on relationships established during a similar visit in 2025 and strengthen connections with global companies whose Canadian head offices are located in Richmond Hill. These ongoing conversations help reinforce Richmond Hill’s reputation as a place where innovative companies can grow, invest and expand.
By maintaining these international relationships, the City works to attract investment, partnerships and supply‑chain opportunities that support local businesses, strengthen Canada’s manufacturing and technology sectors and help create and sustain jobs here at home.
>> Learn more about our Economic Development.
Did You Know?
- Richmond Hill’s Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy is guiding which City-owned facilities will have EV charging stations added.
- As part of Earth Month in April, 2,938 trees were planted through City led Community Tree Planting events in Richmond Hill.
- Clean Up, Green Up is one of Richmond Hill’s largest green initiatives with 12,000+ participants helping to clean parks, trails and neighbourhoods each spring.
A Smarter Way to Manage Your Property Taxes
Check your balance, pay securely, order tax documents and sign up for e-billing with the new Property Tax Customer Portal.
Building a Stronger Community
The City’s 2025 Strategic Plan Annual Report outlines accomplishments from the year, including addressing affordable housing and climate resilience, advancing reconciliation efforts, building stronger community connections and more.
It also charts projects for 2026–2027.
Learn more about our progress and what’s coming next.
Improving Traffic Safety in Our Neighbourhoods
Twelve new pedestrian crossovers will be constructed in the City this year to help improve safety by providing controlled crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, supporting the City’s ongoing efforts to improve safety for all road users. Traffic safety initiatives in Richmond Hill are identified using a data-driven approach that considers traffic speed and volume, collision history and areas where more people walk and bike. Learn more about how traffic safety improvements are planned and prioritized.
Updates to Spaces You Use
The City continues to invest in community spaces to make them more comfortable, accessible and welcoming for residents. Here’s what’s happening:
- Richmond Hill Public Library’s Central Branch will be refreshed starting this summer with new modular furniture, flexible study areas, new flooring and additional power outlets.
- The McConaghy Centre reception area has been refreshed, creating a more welcoming and functional space for visitors.
- The Richmond Green Sports Dome is being upgraded with new air conditioning so it can be used comfortably throughout the year, removing the cost to set it up each fall and take it down each spring.
Summertime Adventure Starts Here
Summer is calling, answer it your way.
Summer Soundtrack: Free live music all summer long. From Concerts in the Park to LIVE in the Plaza and open mic nights, enjoy tribute bands and local favourites. - Bring Your Appetite: Retro Ribfest is back at Richmond Green with festival food favourites, live music and big summer vibes.
- Cozy Night Out: Catch Moonlight Movies starting in August, a summer tradition of free, family-friendly outdoor screenings under the stars.
- In the Spotlight: The new 26.27 RHCPA Presents season is here! Plan a night at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts – theatre, comedy, concerts and more. Get tickets now.
- Slow and Sweet: Treat yourself to afternoon tea at the Heritage Centre, featuring dainty sandwiches, yummy scones and sweet treats surrounded by history and beautiful gardens.
- Starry Skies: Discover the magic of the night sky with family nights, stargazing parties and speaker events at the David Dunlap Observatory.
- Dive into Reading: Make summer a story-filled adventure at Richmond Hill Public Library. Kids can join our free Summer Reading Club, enjoy weekly water-themed programs activities and win prizes. Register starting June 12.
5 Simple Steps to Grow Your Own Food
You don’t need a green thumb or a big backyard to grow your own food. A few pots, a sunny spot and a little patience can go a long way.
- Choose your crops: Begin with a few easy, high-reward plants like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers and consider adding flowers like nasturtiums for colour to help deter pests.
- Prepare your space: Pick a spot that gets 4-6 hours of sunlight a day, pots with drainage or a garden bed and good soil. Adding compost improves soil quality and supports a more resilient garden that’s good for your veggies and the environment.
- Plant your seeds: Follow seed packet instructions for seed spacing and planting depth. Add water.
- Take care of your crops: Water deeply and regularly, especially during hot weather. Early morning watering helps reduce evaporation and keeps plants happy.
- Harvest & enjoy!
New Rules for Carbon Monoxide Alarms
As of January 2026, homes must have carbon monoxide alarms on every level and outside all sleeping areas. These alarms provide critical early warning against this silent danger.
Keep your family safe. Make sure your home is compliant and your loved ones are protected.
Learn more about the new carbon monoxide safety requirements.
Love Our Forests, Wetlands and Wildlife?
We’re creating a plan to enhance their protection and your input is key! Tell us which natural spaces mean the most to you and what impacts you’re most concerned about. Share your thoughts with us at GreeningtheHill@RichmondHill.ca or join a workshop and take our survey this fall.
>> Help protect Richmond Hill's wild spaces.
Life in Your City
Let’s all work together to keep our community looking great and safe for everyone!
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Small changes make a BIG difference. During the summer months, follow lawn watering rules to help protect our shared water supply. Odd-numbered homes water on odd days and even-numbered homes on even days between midnight-6 a.m. and 7-10 p.m. for up to four hours.
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Do your doo-ty. Always pick up after your pet when you’re out for a walk. It’s the neighbourly thing to do and it keeps our parks, trails and streets clean and enjoyable for everyone.
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Keep it trimmed. Grass and weeds on your property (excludes wildflower gardens) must be kept under 20 cm to help prevent pests, support neighbourhood safety and avoid a by law violation.
Recreation and Culture Plan in Action
Richmond Hill’s 10-year Recreation and Culture Plan is rolling out across the community, guiding how recreation programs, cultural opportunities and community spaces are planned and delivered.
Since the plan’s approval, progress has included expanding recreation facilities, growing tennis and pickleball opportunities, supporting adults 55+, investing in community and cultural grants, and creating new spaces for arts and culture. This ongoing work reflects the plan’s focus on accessibility, inclusion and connection, helping ensure recreation and culture continue to meet the needs of a growing and changing community.
Learn more about the plan and see what’s been accomplished so far.
E-Scooter Safety
- Riders must be 16+ years old
- Do not ride on sidewalks
More safety tips and information is available on the Micromobility web page.
Summer Camps, Close to Home
Looking for a fun, local summer camp for your child? Richmond Hill offers a wide range of interest-based summer camps with inclusive options and supports available. Financial assistance is also offered for families who qualify, helping make camp more accessible for everyone.
Find a camp that fits your family’s needs.
ICYMI... in case you missed it
- More than 1,200 potholes were repaired this spring with about 70% identified using ROVER, the City’s AI-powered road scanning system.
Blooms
Know a beautiful front garden?
Nominate it for recognition June 2 to July 7 – even if it happens to be yours.
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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