Council approved recommendations in the Museum Feasibility Study that will ensure Richmond Hill's rich history and heritage is protected and accessible for future generations. In 2015, Richmond Hill undertook a Museum Feasibility Study to examine the existing conditions of the Heritage Centre, its connection to the rest of the community and potential locations for a museum. Based on public consultation and feedback from residents, the study recommends that in the short-term, modest upgrades be made to the Heritage Centre, A.J. Clark Interpretive Centre and Collections Storage Centre to improve their suitability for Heritage Centre functions. As the Heritage Centre has limited opportunity to display Richmond Hill’s history and implement programs, events and activities that reflect that history, the Museum Feasibility Study will guide staff with strategies to increase public awareness and involvement. Implementation will begin in 2016 with the expansion of programming, events and web-based initiatives at the Heritage Centre over the next four to five years. The goal is to encourage participation in heritage-related initiatives in the community. The next phase of implementation recommends an expanded heritage facility into either a new or renovated Town-owned building or a new Heritage Museum and Cultural Centre. To learn more about the Museum Feasibility Study, visit RichmondHill.ca/HeritageCentre. For more information, contact Darlene Joslin, Director of Recreation & Culture, at 905-771-2423.

 

Council voted in favour of ratifying a settlement between Richmond Hill and its Salaried Employees Association (SEA). The agreement, which is for a term of January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016, includes a 2 per cent wage increase retroactive to January 1, 2015 and a 1.3 per cent increase as of January 1, 2016. The annual increase for 2015 is consistent with that already approved by Council for Richmond Hill’s CUPE Local 905 staff and funds have been included in the Town's 2016 draft Operating Budget. There are 270 full-time employees included in the agreement. This agreement recognizes the value and contribution these employees make by providing the services Richmond Hill residents depend upon while recognizing current economic conditions. Similar increases were approved for Administrative staff and Members of Council. For more information, contact Samara Kaplan, Director, Human Resources, at 905-771-2521.

 

Council received a report outlining the continued success of Richmond Hill’s efforts to protect the natural environment and its achievements in 2015. Two of the major highlights include the Community Stewardship and Healthy Yards Programs. Through the Community Stewardship Program, Richmond Hill works with agencies and community volunteers to improve the local environment through activities such as tree planting, stream restoration and invasive species removal. In 2015, with the help of 2,100 community volunteers and 35 schools, community groups and partner agencies, 11,600 trees/shrubs and 365 wildflowers were planted; 20 acres of land and 1.8 km of stream was restored and 120 fbags of invasive species removed. The Healthy Yards Program provides residents the opportunity to purchase native trees, shrubs and wildflowers at a subsidized cost. Rain barrels are also available. In 2015, approximately 1,000 residents purchased 1,300 trees and shrubs, 3,360 wildflowers, and 130 rain barrels. In celebration of the Program’s 10th anniversary this year, staff applied for and received a $15,000 grant from the TD Green Streets Program towards the 2016 Healthy Yards Program. Richmond Hill’s natural environment initiatives help to create a vibrant community by establishing a healthier urban forest and natural corridors on public and private property throughout the town. For information about the 2016 Healthy Yards Program and other upcoming tree planting events, visit RichmondHill.ca/EnvironmentalEvents. For details about other 2015 natural environment achievements, contact Ann Marie Farrugia, Manager, Natural Environment at 905-771-5509.