Richmond Hill’s Weldrick-Nightstar Bridge continues to be the talk of the town and beyond. The work of Richmond Hill staff and the construction team were recognized recently by Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) with an Award for Excellence and by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) of North America with a Section Award. Each year, PRO recognizes the achievements of individuals and organizations that have contributed to the advancement of leisure, parks and recreation in Ontario. The IES awards are presented in recognition of accomplishments in the field of engineering illumination, design, applied illumination, optics, lighting, research and education. This unique pedestrian bridge with its innovative design, replaces a bridge that had deteriorated. Now lined by lit panels with star cutouts, the surface engraved with the names of constellations, serves as an inspiration to other parks and recreation professionals when creating public spaces. The astronomical theme connects to the significance and history of the observatory and its influences on the community. The 28 metre-long bridge spans over German Mills Creek connecting people on either side of the creek and will serve as an access point to the development underway on the David Dunlap Observatory lands and park. This is the sixth time in seven years that Richmond Hill has received a PRO Award of Excellence and the first time for an EIS award. Photos of the Weldrick-Nightstar Bridge are available upon request. For more information, contact Stephen Fick, Acting Commissioner of Environment & Infrastructure Services at 905-771-9996, ext. 3501.

 

Council approved new contracts for the provision of animal services in Richmond Hill. The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) and K9 Pest Management Group Inc. will be under contract to Richmond Hill for two years. Awarding the contract to these organizations will maintain and enhance the present level of services and provide added value to the sheltering and rehabilitation of wildlife. The patrol and capture of domestic animals and wildlife and shelter services for domestic animals will be contracted to OSPCA. Telephone hotline, licensed wildlife refuge and rehabilitation of wildlife services will be contracted to K9 Pest Management Group Inc. For more information, contact Ana Bassios, Commissioner of Planning & Regulatory Services at 905-771-2417.