Richmond Hill to Establish Committee for David Dunlap Observatory Park Development

Council approved the establishment of a steering committee for the David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) Park Project. The committee will be comprised of the Mayor, Ward’s 5 and 6 Councillors, as well as two citizen members. In September 2016, after extensive public consultation, a Master Plan was approved for the DDO Park. The Plan sets out the vision for the future enhancement, management and programming of the park. The steering committee will review and provide guidance and advice with respect to the planning, design development and construction of the park. Recruitment for the two citizen positions will begin soon. Residents who wish to apply are encouraged to visit RichmondHill.ca/Committees and subscribe to receive email updates. A call for applicants will also be advertised in the Bulletin Board pages of The Liberal newspaper in the coming weeks. For more information about the park project, contact Stephen Fick, Director, Design and Construction at 905-747-6474. For information about the steering committee, contact Stephen Huycke, Town Clerk at 905-771-2529.

Modifications Planned for the Lake Wilcox Boardwalk

Council directed staff to continue with design modifications to the boardwalk planned for Lake Wilcox. The boardwalk, approved as part of the Lake Wilcox Park Master Plan, is a 127 meter long, 3 meter wide crescent shaped wooden deck on a steel frame that is supported by metal poles drilled into the lake bed. It is suspended out into the lake and attached in two locations to the walkway promenade. After much consideration, it was determined that the original boardwalk support structure would not be able to withstand the pressure of the ice each winter and as a result, the structure would likely fail over time. Staff will now work with coastal engineering specialists to modify the design of the support structure and the existing boardwalk. This will allow the original planned boardwalk to be constructed with all its intended features, theming and use of all materials already received. Staff will report back on the budget required to complete the boardwalk as part of the 2018 Capital Budget process this fall. For more information, contact Geoff Hunt, Manager, Parks and Open Space Design at 905-771-5479.

Richmond Hill’s Launches Its First IT Strategy

Council endorsed Richmond Hill’s first Information Technology (IT) Strategy which sets out a comprehensive vision and IT roadmap for the next five years. The Strategy is the result of a comprehensive process that included a detailed document review, interviews with Council and leadership, roundtables with all departments and a corporate-wide staff survey. Implementation will take place in three phases: building technology foundations (2017-2020), evolving systems and processes to deliver service excellence (2019 and ongoing) and becoming a digital, smart and innovative Town (2020 and ongoing). Much of the foundation work has begun, with current projects aimed at updating the customer service, planning, finance, human resources and recreation systems. A significant technology investment of approximately $22 million is required until at least 2023 to implement the Strategy, which will result in greater service to residents and a more efficient and productive workforce.  For more information, contact Anthony Iannucci, Chief Information Officer at 905-771-5510.

The next Committee of the Whole Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 4 at 4:30 p.m. and the next Council Meeting is Monday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m. Both meetings will be held in Council Chambers.