Council Highlights

Words and Images Beneath Your Feet – Coming Soon!

Creative expression can take many different forms and in Richmond Hill, two new pilot projects may see words and images added to sidewalks and crosswalks. These simple and cost-effective place-making initiatives will add visual impact to some of Richmond Hill’s pedestrian spaces. Richmond Hill has a very celebrated literary past and is or was the home to famous authors and the setting for some famous stories. As new sidewalks are built every year and old ones repaired and replaced, the Sidewalk Poetry project may enhance the pedestrian experience and create interest using words embedded into selected sidewalks. Through this pilot initiative, a short poem or text will be impressed in the concrete on a selected replacement or new sidewalk panel, creating moments for outdoor enjoyment and reflection. As part of this pilot project, the Town’s Public Art Advisory Committee will select a poem and the appropriate location. . The Town will also undertake a pilot project for Painted Crosswalk Design, where crosswalks at specified intersections will be painted with artistic and unusual patterns as opposed to the traditional plain straight lines. The first crosswalk project will take place on June 13 during Heritage Village Day, where volunteers will come together to design a pattern in the downtown core. Richmond Hill has been adding unique, creative features in the design of many of its public spaces, including community centres (like the Wave Pool and Oak Ridges Community Centre) and parks (mostly recently, the award-winning Lake Wilcox Waterfront Promenade). The Sidewalk Poetry and Painted Crosswalk Design pilot projects help to celebrate creative design, the Town’s rich culture and encourage artistic expression in the community. For more information, contact Joanne Leung, Manager, Urban Design at 905-771-5498.

Richmond Hill Continues to Protect its Tree Canopy from EAB
Council received a presentation from staff regarding the progress and success of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management Strategy implementation since 2012. The Strategy aims to reduce the significant aesthetic, environmental and financial impacts of EAB on Richmond Hill. This is being done by managing ash tree decline over time through pesticide treatment and by keeping up with removals and replacements on a planned schedule that addresses the most hazardous areas first. In support of the Strategy, 1,526 ash trees have been treated with pesticide; however, many were lost unexpectedly due to the 2013 ice storm (1,305 remain) and it is expected that the number of trees suitable for treatment will continue to decline each year due to their susceptibility to stress. As a result, Council approved an amendment to the pesticide treatment portion of the Strategy. Also as part of the Strategy, 2,500 street trees that were deemed “hazardous” have been removed, 1,240 of which have been replanted, with replanting of a further 1,260 currently ongoing. Removal and replacement of the remaining 5,500 street trees will take place over the next three years. In 2013, a removal prioritization plan was developed for ash trees in parks and natural areas. Since then, 2,950 park trees that were deemed “hazardous” have been removed with the remaining 5,100 to be removed over the next three years. Replanting of 167 park trees is ongoing. Implementation of a long-term restoration plan for woodlots is also underway. For further details about Richmond Hill’s EAB Management Strategy and to learn about options for managing privately owned ash trees, visit RichmondHill.ca/EAB. For more information, contact Ann Marie Farrugia, Manager, Natural Environment, at 905-771-5509.

Richmond Hill Provides Grants to Maintain Designated Heritage Properties
Council approved the Heritage Committee’s recommendations to award $30,000 in Heritage Grants in 2015 for the preservation and restoration of eight heritage properties. Heritage plays an important role in Richmond Hill as it promotes a sense of identity and celebrates the Town’s unique culture. Richmond Hill is committed to preserving its structural heritage to create a more vibrant community for future generations to enjoy. The grants will provide for the restoration and repair of heritage components that are identified in the properties’ designation by-laws. This year’s projects include restoration of an original decorative glass storefront and a furnace chimney, the replacement of a cedar shake roof and windows and repairing the base of a heritage sundial. For more information, contact Matthew Somerville, Heritage Urban Design Planner at 905-771-5529.

Meeting agendas, minutes, staff reports and other correspondence can be found on the Town's website at RichmondHill.ca/Meetings or from the Council Support Services/Town Clerk Division.

City of Richmond Hill

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Council Highlights