Key foundations in place, but more work to be done

RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill is making progress in its efforts to tackle climate change, but reaching its emissions goals will take more action, significant investment and a continued community-wide effort.

A new report to Council highlights progress and work underway through the City’s Resilient Richmond Hill program, which focuses on cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and preparing for more extreme weather.

Progress so far

Community GHG emissions fell by about 9% between 2016 to 2024, but have risen again since the pandemic – showing that the goal of net-zero emissions will require broader, longer-term changes on how we live, move and build in the city.

Climate Action Achievements

The City is taking practical steps to reduce emissions and build resilience:

Transportation

• More trails and cycling routes
• Expanding support for electric vehicles
• Greener City-owned vehicles

Homes and Buildings

• Energy-efficient building design practices
• Nearly $20 million invested in affordable and sustainable housing
• Moving toward net-zero City facilities

Nature and Green Space

• 37,000+ trees planted through community programs
• Expanded park and natural area restoration
• Planning for and growing a stronger urban forest

Community Action

• Tools and tips through the Climate Change Conversation Toolkit
• Programs to help residents save energy, money and make homes more comfortable
• Climate Champions Program supporting local action across all age groups

What’s Next

The City will continue to focus on reducing GHG emissions – especially from transportation and buildings – while also preparing for more extreme weather. Continued investment, partnerships and community action will be key to achieving our local climate action goals.

Learn more or get involved at RichmondHill.ca/ClimatePlan.

Quotes

“Resilient Richmond Hill is a community-driven plan, and the progress we’re seeing reflects the commitment of our residents, businesses and partners. We’ve taken important steps forward, but reaching net-zero by 2050 will take continued collaboration, investment and action from all of us. By working together, we can build a more sustainable, resilient future for our community.” – Mayor David West

Quick Facts

• Richmond Hill set a goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, which means, by the year 2050, Richmond Hill will have reduced its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as much as possible and will not be emitting more than it is offsetting. Offsetting is the reduction of emissions in one place to compensate for emissions in another. 
• In 2024, the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions were transportation (50%), buildings (47%) and waste (3%).

Links

• Read the Community Energy and Emissions Plan Progress Update