Energy Efficiency Projects Help to Lower Richmond Hill’s Corporate Energy Consumption

Council received an update on Richmond Hill’s corporate energy management, including facility energy consumption, detailed energy audit results and the outdoor lighting LED conversion project. The presentation noted that in 2015 and 2016, energy consumption at Richmond Hill facilities decreased by five per cent due to milder winters and energy efficiency projects implemented as part of the Town’s Corporate Energy Plan. Some of these projects include new boilers, LED lighting retrofits and heat pump replacements. Greenhouse gas emissions also dropped by seven per cent over the same timeframe. In 2017, detailed energy audits of the Town’s top 13 energy consuming facilities identified 64 potential energy conservation measures, which have been batched into 13 capital projects. These measures will be implemented in three phases over the coming years and include projects such as energy efficient pool filter pumps; low-emissivity ceilings in arenas; LED lighting retrofits; and optimization of building systems. In addition, Richmond Hill’s Corporate Energy Plan will be updated for publication in 2019. Council also received an update about the installation of the new outdoor LED lights. To date, 9,300 of the 12,200 outdoor lights have been installed and design of the lights for parks and parking lots is underway. For more information, contact Terry Ricketts, Director, Asset Management Planning & Environment Services, at terry.ricketts@richmondhill.ca or 905-747-6504.

Investment in Community Projects Make Richmond Hill a Better Place to Live, Work and Play

Richmond Hill is extremely supportive of community groups, organizations and individuals that are passionate about making the municipality an even better place to live, work and play through the delivery of programs, services and/or activities. This year, Council has committed to supporting 26 applications amounting to $65,000 through the Community and Cultural Grant program. This program has two funding streams (community organizations and cultural sector) that provide a grant up to a 50 per cent of the project budget to a maximum of $5,000. The 2018 grant recipients were evaluated and awarded based on criteria outlined in the program’s guidelines. You can learn more about the Community and Cultural Grant application process, criteria and eligibility online at RichmondHill.ca/CommunityGrants. Since 2016, Council approved funding for 66 applicants totalling almost $169,000.The 2018 grant recipients are: Elgin West Seniors Association; Home on the Hill Supportive Housing; ImprovAbility!; Richmond Hill Canoe Club; Richmond Hill Lawn Bowling Club; The Amici Circle of Friends; York Region Senior Tamils’ Centre; Andrea End; Bindu Shah; Habon Jibril; Josephine Vaccaro-Chang; Lilita Tannis; Oleg Samokhin; Artucate Canada; Association of Iranian Canadians for Nowruz Festivals; Chorus York; High Notes Avante Productions; International Watercolour Society; Opera York; Richmond Hill Centennial Pipe Band; Richmond Hill Concert Band; Richmond Hill Group of Artists; Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra; Shadowpath Theatre Productions; Toronto Chinese Ai Yue Philharmonic Arts Centre; and York Region Chamber Music. For more information, contact Karin Ash, Manager, Cultural Services, at karin.ash@richmondhill.ca or 905-508-7012, ext. 225.

Almost $55,000 Raised for United Way

Richmond Hill CAO and 2017 United Way Campaign Chair Neil Garbe presented a cheque for $54,442.25 to the United Way of Toronto and York Region on behalf of Town staff. Each year, Richmond Hill’s annual campaign is funded through a payroll deduction program, as well as events held for staff like silent auctions, pancake breakfasts and a bake sale. The United Way of Toronto and York Region collectively raised $105 million in 2017, which will directly benefit many local agencies in Richmond Hill and the GTA. To learn more about the United Way of Toronto & York Region, visit UnitedwayTYR.com. For more information about Richmond Hill’s 2017 United Way Campaign, contact Richmond Hill United Way Campaign Chair Neil Garbe at neil.garbe@richmondhill.ca or 905-771-5452. Note: Photo available upon request.

The next Committee of the Whole Meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 5, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. and the next Council Meeting is Monday, February 12, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. Both meetings will be held in Council Chambers.