Another Successful Season for the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts

Council was pleased to receive the annual report highlighting the successful 2016/2017 season for the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts (RHCPA). Artists who graced the stage included Our Town Our Talent (Opening Night), comedian Brent Butt, Tokyo Police Club, Zero Gravity Circus and many more. The Family Series featured Peter Rabbit, Toopy and Binoo, Pete and Cat and others that kept children and their families entertained. The Education Series continued to bring the theatre to the classroom through various performances, including Anne of Green Gables, Suessical and Queen Nu’s Bully Free Zone. Summer camp programs were also filled to capacity with more than 500 registered campers. Outside of the theatre, the RHCPA also presented shows at Jazz in the Plaza, Richmond Hill’s Canada Day celebrations, Concerts in the Park and more. This year, the RHCPA also held community engagement sessions to learn about how to provide better service to the Richmond Hill community. Details of the 2018/2019 season will be available to the public on May 8. For more information about the RHCPA, visit rhcentre.ca or contact Michael Grit, Theatre Manager at 905-787-8471, ext. 222.

Richmond Hill Supports Cultural Initiatives for a Vibrant Community

Council received a presentation from staff outlining the achievements of Richmond Hill’s Cultural Plan in 2017, its sixth year of implementation. The presentation showcased  the wide variety of projects and initiatives undertaken by staff, including the launch of Park Stories, the second intake of the Community and Cultural Grant Program, progress on the implementation of the Festival and Events Strategy and the Museum Feasibility Study, continued support for youth engagement in culture (resulting in the third Hill After Dark event), the launch of the Artist in Residence program and premiere of the second installment of 'Richmond Hill: Cultural Icons featuring RH Thomson, Farley Mowat and Elvis Stojko'. The goal of the Cultural Plan is to enhance and promote cultural activity and creative expression within Richmond Hill between 2012 and 2022. The outcomes of the Plan’s implementation help create a more vibrant Richmond Hill by respecting the past, developing a sense of identity and place, and looking to the future. It also provides opportunities and places for people to connect and get involved in their community. For more information about the Cultural Plan, visit RichmondHill.ca/CulturalPlan or contact Darlene Joslin, Director, Recreation & Culture, at 905-771-2423.

The next Committee of the Whole Meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 9, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. and the next Council Meeting is Monday, April 16, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. Both meetings will be held in Council Chambers.