Richmond Hill Continues to Invest in the Community

In support of the significant contribution of local community and cultural organizations, whose initiatives enhance the quality of life and cultural vibrancy within our community, Council approved $49,870 to fund 21 project applications under the Community and Cultural Grant Program (CCGP). Through an application process, the CCGP provides funding to community and cultural organizations, as well as individual artists, whose programs, services and/or activities enhance Richmond Hill. Within the program’s two funding streams (community organizations and cultural sector), the maximum grant per project is 50 per cent of the project budget up to a maximum of $5,000. This year’s grant recipients were evaluated and awarded based on criteria outlined in the Program’s guidelines. The CCGP replaced the Mayor’s Endowment Fund for the Arts and Community Grants Program as outlined in Richmond Hill’s Cultural Plan. To learn more about the grant application process, criteria and eligibility, visit RichmondHill.ca/CommunityGrants. For more information, contact Karin Ash, Manager, Cultural Services, at 905-508-7012, ext. 225.

Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services (RHFES) Committed to Community Safety

Council received the implementation plan for the Fire and Emergency Services Master Plan (FESMP). The FESMP identifies a number of actions that could be carried out over the next 10 years to support RHFES in maintaining, and keeping up with the demands of fire protection services in our community. This includes, hiring additional fire firefighters, fire inspectors, and an Emergency Management Coordinator, as well as a feasibility study for Station 8-1 and a new fire station, to name just a few actions. An FESMP is a strategic long range plan to deliver fire and emergency services based on the needs and circumstances of the community. It includes an objective assessment of the community's current fire risks and today's fire service capabilities. The assessment also includes the predicted future growth of the municipality and makes recommendations for fire protection service enhancements to address the current and future fire and emergency service needs. Implementation of the FESMP will move ahead in conjunction with the budget process over the next 10 years. For more information, contact Fire Chief Steve Kraft at 905-771-2898.

Richmond Hill Continues to Implement Official Plan – Building a New Kind of Urban

Richmond Hill Council endorsed the Yonge Street and 16th Avenue Key Development Area (KDA) Policy Directions and Recommendations Report which outlines the vision, principles and key directions to guide the physical long-term evolution of the area. The Yonge Street and 16th Avenue KDA is planned to be Richmond Hill’s second highest and most dense new centre, and is envisioned to evolve from a historical retail node to a more connected, mixed-use urban centre that will become a transit and pedestrian-oriented destination. The report  provides direction for the overarching elements of the preferred land use and design scenario including recommended land uses, streets and blocks, height and density distribution, built form, and public realm/urban open space system frameworks. The directions and recommendations in the report will guide the preparation of the Yonge Street and 16th Avenue KDA Secondary Plan which is anticipated to be presented to Council in 2017. For more information, contact Michelle Dobbie, Senior Planner, 905-771-2467.

Richmond Hill Pet Stores Encouraged to Support Animal Rescue

Council approved an amendment to the business licensing rules in Richmond Hill’s Municipal Code Chapter 826, which requires all dogs, cats and rabbits acquired in Richmond Hill to be sourced from municipal animal shelters, registered humane societies, registered shelters and registered rescue groups. The intent of the change is to encourage residents to adopt rescue animals and discourage the puppy mill industry. Pet stores will have a 12-month grace period to sell any pets already in their care. With this business licensing amendment, pet stores will be encouraged to partner with approved shelters and rescues to help reduce the number of homeless pets and residents will have peace of mind knowing their pet purchase has not indirectly supported the inhumane treatment of animals. In addition, the amendment specifies the care requirements for pets awaiting sale and sets minimum standards for how pets are housed in pet stores, including ventilation, exercise, sanitation and appropriate flooring. For more information about the amendment to the Municipal Code, contact John DeVries, Director, Regulatory Services/CBO at 905-771-2548.

Richmond Hill Council Votes to Request Amendment to Highway Traffic Act

Council voted to support a resolution to request that the Government of Ontario amend the Highway Traffic Act to permit municipalities to administer automated speed enforcement and other technology-based enforcement of offences through the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS). AMPS will come into effect in Richmond Hill for parking offenses on July 1, 2017. A copy of this resolution will be sent to the Attorney General of Ontario, the Minister of Municipal Affairs, the Minister of Transportation, York Region and Association of Municipalities Ontario. For more information about the resolution, contact Stephen Huycke, Town Clerk at 905-771-2529. For more information about AMPS, contact John DeVries, Director, Regulatory Services/CBO at 905-771-2548.

The next Committee of the Whole Meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 6, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. and the next Council Meeting is Monday, February 13, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. Both meetings will be held in Council Chambers. 

This document was produced and distributed by Communication Services staff at the Town of Richmond Hill. The contents of this summary are intended to be for information purposes only. Meeting agendas, minutes, staff reports and other correspondence can be found on the Town’s website at RichmondHill.ca/Meetings or from the Council Support Services/Town Clerk Division.