Richmond Hill Continues to Protect the Local Environment
Council received a presentation from staff outlining the progress of two major environmental initiatives in Richmond Hill – the Environment Strategy, Greening the Hill and the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS). Some of the highlights of Greening the Hill implementation for 2015 include development of a five-year energy reduction plan for Town-owned facilities; initiation of a project to convert Richmond Hill’s outdoor lighting network to LED lighting; upgrades to the off-road trail network (Beaver Greenway and South Richvale Greenway); development and implementation of plans to protect the Town’s valleylands and improve the stormwater management program. In addition, through the 2015 Community Stewardship and Healthy Yards programs, 11,600 trees were planted in Richmond Hill with the help of funding partners, sponsors and community volunteers. In the presentation, staff also noted that Richmond Hill has successfully completed its third re-registration audit for its ISO 14001 EMS. ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized standard for Environment Management Systems. Richmond Hill’s EMS identifies business activities that affect the environment and sets out processes to minimize them. Since the EMS was first registered in 2006, the scope has expanded to include all business units with direct environmental impacts, including Environment & Infrastructure Services, Public Works Operations, Development Engineering, Fire & Emergency Services and Recreation & Culture. The goal of both the Environment Strategy and EMS is to provide a framework to protect, restore and enhance Richmond Hill’s natural environment. For more information, contact Terry Ricketts, Director, Environment Services at 905-771-9996, ext. 6504.

There’s No Shortage of Cultural Opportunity in Richmond Hill
Council received a presentation from staff outlining Richmond Hill’s 2015 Cultural Plan achievements. Some of the highlights include the launch of the Community and Cultural Grant Program; the unveiling of the Terry Fox Tribute in Ransom Park; the launch of the Festivals & Events Strategy; and cultural youth events like Hill After Dark, Top of the Hill and NEON. In addition, Richmond Hill Cultural Icons premiered at the second annual Cultural Summit. The videos, which can be found at Youtube.com/TownRichmondHill, feature local icons, Jackie Richardson, the Good Brothers and the Royal Canadian Air Farce. Staff also outlined 2015 by the numbers, noting that more than 5,600 residents participated in arts, culture and heritage programs; 426 events took place at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts with 100,000 tickets issued to more than 85,000 patrons; and more than 125,000 people attended events such as Canada Day, Ribfest and more. The goal of the Cultural Plan is to enhance and promote cultural activity and creative expression within Richmond Hill between 2012 and 2022. For more information about the Cultural Plan, visit RichmondHillCulturalPlan.com or contact Darlene Joslin, Director, Recreation & Culture at 905-771-2423.

Animal Services Contract Awarded to OSPCA
Council awarded the animal services contract for wildlife to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA). The OSPCA provides the residents of Richmond Hill with dedicated Animal Control Officers who will respond to calls relating to wildlife, including sick, injured or orphaned animals. The OSPCA also provides domestic animal services for Richmond Hill, including a state-of-the-art animal shelter and adoption centre. Residents should call the wildlife hotline at 310-SPCA (7722) to report wildlife issues or domestic animal cruelty. The contract is for a two-year period and can be extended for six additional years in one-year terms. The OSPCA also provided these services in Richmond Hill prior to the new contract. For more information, contact John DeVries, Director, Regulatory Services and Chief Building Officer at 905-771-2548.