Council Proclaims September 21 to 27 Smart Commute Week in Richmond Hill
During Smart Commute Week, Richmond Hill staff and residents are encouraged to try a different mode of travel, such as walking, cycling, carpooling, using public transit or teleworking. The goal is to help to lower the number of single car drivers (during Smart Commute Week and going forward) which in turn will reduce traffic congestion, help people save money and improve their health. From September 14 to 27 people can register under Smart Commute's Trip Tool (explore.smartcommute.ca), and log a qualifying trip to be entered in a draw to win one of four VIA Rail gift vouchers, valued at $500 each. The more options people use, the more chances to win! For more details about Smart Commute Week and contest rules, visit www.smartcommuteweek.ca. Smart Commute is a sustainability initiative and partnership between the municipalities of Richmond Hill and Markham, York Region and Metrolinx. For more information, contact Josh Ward, Sustainable Transportation Coordinator at 905-747-6340.

Council Donates $50,000 to Richmond Hill Mobility Accessibility Foundation
Council approved a grant request for $50,000 for the Richmond Hill Mobility Accessibility Foundation for the purposes of mobility initiatives within Richmond Hill. The grant is funded from the Disabled Parking Reserve which was established in December 2004. The Reserve is funded from 50 per cent of the revenue from disabled parking offenses. The grant will be used to support recreation programs for persons with a disability, a fundraising program assistant and to provide assistive devices to help improve quality of life, such as wheelchairs, walkers and bathroom equipment. The Richmond Hill Mobility Accessibility Foundation is a registered charity with a mandate to fund equipment to assist Richmond Hill residents with daily living. For more information, contact David Dexter, Acting Commissioner of Corporate & Financial Services and Treasurer at 905-771-2484.