2019 Socio-Economic Study Results
Council received the findings of Richmond Hill’s 2019 Socio-Economic Study report. The report provides an updated picture of Richmond Hill, which allows for a better understanding of our community. It uses data from the 2016 Census as a primary source of information and provides details about the people, communities, businesses and context of Richmond Hill. The data is grouped into five themes: demographics, economics, transportation, housing and affordability. Some highlights of the study include: 

• Richmond Hill has a diverse economy with the highest proportion of jobs in health care and social assistance industry.
• Richmond Hill is a multicultural community, with immigrants comprising 57.4 per cent of the population and residents representing 174 different ethnicities.
• Richmond Hill remains the most educated community in York Region, with more than half of its residents between the ages of 25 and 64 having earned a university certificate or higher.

This is the third Socio-Economic Study for Richmond Hill. Previous studies were conducted in 2008 and 2015. Many of the findings of the 2019 Study are consistent with those in the previous 2015 Socio-Economic Study. The report findings will help inform and guide future City plans and policy decisions. For the complete findings, visit RichmondHill.ca/SocioEconomicStudy. For more information, contact Lise Conde, Manager, Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs, at 905-747-6410 or lise.conde@richmondhill.ca.

Provincial Regional Government Review 
Council received an update about the Province of Ontario’s Regional Governance Review. At the beginning of this year, Ontario appointed two special advisors to review Halton, York, Durham, Waterloo, Niagara and Peel Regions, Muskoka District, Oxford County, the County of Simcoe and their lower tier municipalities. The advisors will provide recommendations to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing based on their expertise and assessment of the feedback received through a consultation process (the special advisors have already met with the Regional Chairs, Mayors and the public). Richmond Hill Council passed a resolution in support of the current two-tier Regional government structure, while also supporting a review of options to optimize service delivery and to achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness for residents within that structure. The Regional Government Review is expected to be complete this fall. The Region of York was founded in 1971 and includes nine local member municipalities, including Richmond Hill. For more information, contact Lise Conde, Manager, Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs, at 905-747-6410 or lise.conde@richmondhill.ca.

David Dunlap Observatory Symbol Selection 
Council approved the selection of the symbol to represent the David Dunlap Observatory, Administration Building and Future Park. The David Dunlap Observatory houses one of the largest telescopes in Canada and a number of important studies have taken place here, including providing the first direct evidence that Cygnus X-1 was a black hole. Selecting a symbol to represent this important piece of Richmond Hill provides a consistent brand, so that the Observatory dome, Administration Building and Future Park are recognized as a place where visitors come to see Canada’s historic observatory, celebrate the stars and enjoy acres of natural parkland. The use of a symbol helps build public recognition of this significant cultural heritage landscape that contributes to Richmond Hill’s identity. Council discussed design elements for the in-house created DDO design options and indicated their preference for Design 1 – Richmond Hill. For more information, contact Meeta Gandhi, Director, Strategic Initiatives and Communication Services, at 905-747-6311 or meeta.gandhi@richmondhill.ca.

Council Members Appointed to Richmond Hill Public Library Board
Council appointed four members of Council to the Richmond Hill Public Library Board for the remainder of the term of Council (December 2018 to November 14, 2020): Ward 1 Councillor Greg Beros; Ward 2 Councillor Tom Muench; Regional and Local Councillor and Deputy Mayor Joe DiPaola; and Regional and Local Councillor and Deputy Mayor Carmine Perrelli. Ward 3 Councillor Castro Liu resigned from his position as a Board Member. For more information, contact Stephen Huycke, Director, Legislative Services/City Clerk, at 905-771-2529 or stephen.huycke@richmondhill.ca.

York Region Rapid Transit Update
Council received a presentation from York Region Rapid Transit about the Yonge Subway Extension and the Yonge Street Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects taking place in Richmond Hill. Work progressed well this winter on many aspects of these projects, including more than 80 per cent of the new four-kilometer watermain being installed as part of the BRT project. As road, boulevard and curb work continues in off-peak hours (southbound 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and northbound 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.), daily road closures will be required. Additional traffic calming measures will be installed, including dedicated left-turn traffic signals for motorists, access to mid-block entrances with U-turns at intersections and two-stage crossings for pedestrians at vivastations. York Region Rapid Transit/vivaNext will continue to inform stakeholders about these construction projects through their project newsletter, construction notices, and on-street signs, as well as on their website and social media accounts. For more information, contact Dale Albers, Chief Communications Officer, York Region Rapid Transit Corporation, at 905-886-6767, ext. 71020, or dale.albers@york.ca.