Council Sponsors Richmond Hill Students on Trade Mission to China
Richmond Hill resident, Tony Ma requested financial support from Council for his participation in an upcoming trade mission to China. Council approved support in the amount of $500. A student at Western University, Ma was named one of 30 young Canadian leaders to represent Canada on the Junior Team Canada Trade Mission to Guangzhou, Chongqing and Chengdu from August 1 to 15. The goal of the mission is to create partnerships between Canadian and Chinese businesses and attract foreign investment to the GTA, including Richmond Hill. For more information, contact Karyn Hurley, Acting Deputy Clerk at 905-771-9996, ext. 5453.

Richmond Hill Looking for Ways to Improve Traffic Safety in High Tech/Red Maple Road Area
In response to concerns from residents, Council received a report outlining recommendations to improve traffic safety on Red Maple Road between Highway 7 and High Tech Road, as well as High Tech Road between Yonge Street and Red Maple Road. Staff were directed to begin discussions with affected property owners and key stakeholders regarding the implementation of new safety measures on Red Maple Road including the installation of a new traffic signal at approximately the mid-way point between Highway 7 and High Tech, as well as restriction of left-turns and through movements at unsignalled commercial driveways. In addition, the Town’s consultant will be asked to examine additional options and provide further detail at the intersection of High Tech Road and the Silver City theatre driveway. Staff will report back to Council on the outcome of discussions and the next steps for implementation. For more information, contact Dan Terzievski, Director, Development Engineering at 905-771-9996, ext. 3510. 

Celebrating Sister Cities
On behalf of Council, Mayor Dave Barrow presented a certificate to Lakeland Sister Cities Vice President, Al Dotson proclaiming Tuesday, June 16, 2015 as Lakeland Day in Richmond Hill. Lakeland, Florida has been Richmond Hill’s sister city since March 1990 when a declaration of friendship was signed. The concept of ‘sister cities’ or ‘twinning’ fosters relationships and understanding between different communities. It also encourages trade and tourism and strategic business ties through city-to-city connections. Lakeland was chosen as Richmond Hill’s sister city due to the similarity in size, population, residential and commercial characteristics of the two municipalities. Members of the Lakeland Sister Cities Board were in Richmond Hill from June 13 to 16 to celebrate the 24-year partnership. For more information, contact Mayor Dave Barrow at 905-771-2493.