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New Integrity Commissioner Appointed
In February 2018, Council approved the recruitment of a new permanent Integrity Commissioner to replace Amberley Gavel Ltd, Richmond Hill’s interim Integrity Commissioner from 2013-2018. At the June 26 Council meeting, Council received the information that ADR Chambers Inc. was selected to provide Integrity Commissioner services to Richmond Hill.  ADR Chambers has appointed Deborah Anschell as Richmond Hill’s named Integrity Commissioner. The Integrity Commissioner's duties include providing impartial, third party, professional advice to Council and responding to any compliance issues and matters relating to their ethical responsibilities and obligations under the Council Code of Conduct, as well as educating and advising the community of the same. Deborah is a member of the Law Societies of Upper Canada, Alberta and British Columbia. She earned her LL.M. in ADR at Osgoode Hall Law School in 1998 and her LL.B. at the University of Toronto in 1982. For more information, please contact Stephen M.A. Huycke, Director of Legislative Services/Town Clerk at 905-771-2529.

Advancing Richmond Hill’s Commitment to Climate Change
Council endorsed the advancement of Richmond Hill’s climate change mandate through the development of a Climate Change Framework and Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP). These projects will enable Richmond Hill to consider local impacts, meet legislative and municipal obligations, become eligible for grant funding and better manage resources and risks. The Climate Change Framework will provide a central and coordinated approach to address climate change by identifying Richmond Hill’s priorities for action. It will help to inform and align other corporate initiatives against a climate change lens and provide a foundation for pursuing resources and funding as needed. The CEEP will help Richmond Hill understand the community’s energy and emissions patterns and develop a strategy for reducing GHG emissions in alignment with other community goals. For more information, contact Maria Flores, Manager of Sustainability, at 905-771-5438.

Richmond Hill Supports Preservation of Heritage Properties
Council approved a total of $30,000 in Heritage grants for eight properties in Richmond Hill. Heritage plays an important role in Richmond Hill as it promotes a sense of identity and celebrates the Town’s unique culture. The Heritage Grant Program assists owners of heritage properties designated under Part IV or V of the Ontario Heritage Act since higher costs are associated with heritage restoration projects. This year’s grant will cover up to 50 per cent of the costs to a maximum of $5,000, to repaint, replace, renovate and restore several properties. For more information, contact Patrick Lee, Director of Policy Planning at 905-771-2420.

Richmond Hill Mobility Foundation Receives $50,000 Grant
Council approved a $50,000 grant for the Richmond Hill Mobility Accessibility Foundation. The grant is funded from the Disabled Parking Reserve, which was established in December 2004. This funding supports mobility initiatives in Richmond Hill, including recreation programs and assistive devices.  With grant funding from Richmond Hill, the Foundation has been able to improve accessibility within Richmond Hill, its facilities and programs, and help individuals increase the quality of their daily lives. For more information, contact Gigi Li, Manager of Capital & Development Financing, at 905-747-6435.

The next Committee of the Whole Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. and the next Council Meeting is Monday, July 9, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. Both meetings will be held in Council Chambers.