Community encouraged to share ideas for City Plan 2041

Richmond Hill – The City of Richmond Hill is launching its Official Plan Update, City Plan 2041, with an aim to establish Richmond Hill as one of the GTA’s most prominent and successful communities.

City Plan 2041 is a key project supporting Council’s Strategic Priority areas. When complete, the plan will include changes to policies and land-use planning maps (previously approved in the Official Plan) and will guide future public and private sector development.

Beginning this month and throughout the coming year, residents, businesses and visitors are invited to share their thoughts on the proposed vision for our city. From housing and climate change to transportation and employment and more, the community will have opportunities to provide input on a variety of topics and help transform Richmond Hill into a more vibrant, complete community that serves the future needs of all.

You’re invited to the City Plan 2041 Virtual Open House

Date: Thursday, February 18, 2021
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Register online today!

• Hear from renowned award-winning visionary urban planner, David Dixon, about Richmond Hill’s exciting potential and balancing growth and green in our city
• Learn more about the proposed vision for our city
• Ask your questions about planning for the future in Richmond Hill

Residents are encouraged to watch for additional consultation opportunities later this month and can subscribe to RichmondHill.ca/OPUpdate for updates.

QUICK FACTS

• Richmond Hill’s current Official Plan was adopted by Council in 2010.
• City Plan 2041 is required to conform to York Region’s Official Plan, which is currently being updated through its municipal comprehensive review process.
• In 2019, Richmond Hill Council voted to change its status from a town to a city and became the City of Richmond Hill, reinforcing its position in York Region and Ontario as an urbanized and competitive municipality.

QUOTES

“Richmond Hill is a unique community with a rich heritage and strong sense of belonging, and I am proud to call it home. With the support and input from our residents and businesses, I am optimistic City Plan 2041 will set us up for future success as we continue to grow and welcome new opportunities, like the Yonge North Subway Extension. Ultimately, together, we will build a future where everyone can thrive.”

–     Dave Barrow, Mayor and Chair of Official Plan Update Committee

“We need our residents and businesses to get involved in City Plan 2041. Your ideas can help shape new policies and decisions on how we can best accommodate the coming growth in our city while respecting our history and protecting our natural environment. I invite everyone to join us at the virtual open house to learn more and get engaged.”

–     David West, Ward 4 Councillor and Vice Chairperson of Official Plan Update Committee

“The City of Richmond Hill is at the cusp of a unique period of urban opportunity. Through this Official Plan Update process, Richmond Hill has much to gain from unprecedented opportunities that are arising from evolving demographic, economic and technological forces over the next two decades. With the advantage of its location within the GTA and as a hub for transit connections, Richmond Hill is poised for growth and has strong potential to improve livability and walkability, encourage sustainable development and attract investment.”

–     David Dixon, Vice President and Urban Places Fellow, Stantec

ABOUT DAVID DIXON

David Dixon is an advisor in the City Plan 2041 process. He will be providing his visionary expertise and insights to the Official Plan Update Committee, staff and the public. David has been awarded the American Institute of Architecture’s highest honor for achievement in the public sphere, the Thomas Jefferson Award for Public Architecture for “a lifetime of … significant achievement in [creating]… livable neighborhoods, vibrant civic spaces, and vital downtowns.” Residential Architecture Magazine named David as the recipient of its 2012 Hall of Fame Award “as the person we call when we have a question about cities.” David is the co-author of Urban Design for an Urban Century: shaping more livable, equitable, and resilient cities(Wiley, 2014) and co-editor of Suburban Remix: the next generation of urban places (Island Press, 2018).

MEDIA CONTACT

Lynn Chan, Communications Advisor

lynn.chan@richmondhill.ca