RICHMOND HILL – On behalf of the City of Richmond Hill and Members of Council, the Mayor extends his condolences on the death of former Mayor Dave Barrow early on September 22, 2022.

Born and raised in Richmond Hill, Dave attended McConaghy Public School, Richmond Hill High School and Ryerson Polytechnical Institute (now Toronto Metropolitan University) prior to entering the family business and Richmond Hill municipal politics.

Dave's political career began with his first term as Councillor of Ward 4 in 1978. He remained Councillor through to 1985 when he returned to the family business after his father's (Elgin Barrow) death. Dave re-entered political life in 1997 by winning a Regional Council seat. He was first elected Mayor on November 13, 2006 and was re-elected on October 25, 2010, October 27, 2014 and again on October 22, 2018. During his tenure, he served on a number of boards, including as Chair of the York Regional Police Services Board and as a Provincial Appointment to the GO Transit Board.

Dave was involved in the community for more than 35 years and was recognized by both the City and the Chamber of Commerce for his contributions. In 2012, Dave was honoured to receive the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for his work in the community.

Dave retired from Richmond Hill Council on September 15, 2021.

On September 15, 2022, Richmond Hill Council officially dedicated Dave Barrow Square to honour the former Mayor’s years of service to the City.

Flags have been lowered at all City facilities.

Books of condolence will be available for the community to sign from Friday, September 23 until Monday, October 3. They will be at the main Municipal Offices, 225 East Beaver Creek Road, during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and at Richmond Hill Public Library’s Central Branch, 1 Atkinson Street during regular business hours.