Richmond Hill Already Preparing for Winter
Despite currently being in the midst of summer, the City is starting preparations for next winter and the launch of the new windrow clearing program. To support the program, a new by-law has been drafted that speaks to the authority for the city to tag and/or tow cars that are parking on City streets during a winter event. Parked cars inhibit the City’s ability to conduct winter operations. In order to ensure the public is aware of the new windrow program and by-law, staff have developed a communication strategy that will include information being shared in other languages in addition to English. It is the City’s hope that residents will voluntarily comply with the new by-law saving everyone time and money and ensuring effective and efficient winter operations next year. For more information, contact Grant Taylor, Director, Public Works Operations at grant.taylor@richmondhill.ca or 905-771-2966.

City Changing Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting Times
New times for Council and Committee of the Whole meetings are coming this fall. Committee of the Whole meetings will be held at 9:30 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month and Council meetings will follow on the third Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. for six months starting in September. This new pilot project will replace the current pilot project which introduced daytime meetings. In addition to meeting times changing, the delegation registration time will also change. All delegations must register with the Clerk before 12 p.m. the day before a meeting. For more information, contact Stephen M.A. Huycke, Director, Legislative Services/City Clerk at stephen.huycke@richmondhill.ca or 905-771-2529.

Richmond Hill to Seek Additional Library Board Members
Richmond Hill will adding five citizen members to the Richmond Hill Public Library Board. Applications to participate on the Board will soon be advertised and sought through the Office of the Clerk. A special Council meeting will be called to consider the applications and make appointments to fill the vacancies as soon as the application period is closed. For more information, contact Stephen M.A. Huycke, Director, Legislative Services/Town Clerk at stephen.huycke@richmondhill.ca or 905-771-2529.

Richmond Hill to Consider Cryptocurrency as Payment Option for Property Taxes
Council directed staff to enter into negotiations with third-party provider, Coinberry Limited, to introduce cryptocurrency as a property tax payment option for residents and businesses. Staff will report back on future opportunities for the payment of other City fees and charges using cryptocurrency no later than September 30, 2019. It is believed that with the introduction of this, Richmond Hill becomes the first large municipality in Canada to allow for this type of transaction. For more information, contact Dayna Alexander, Manager, Access Richmond Hill, at dayna.alexander@richmondhill.ca or 905-771-5501.

Richmond Hill celebrates Culture Days!
Council proclaimed, September 27-29, 2019 as Culture Days for the City of Richmond Hill. Culture Days is a national celebration that seeks to eliminate barriers to access and participation and encourage appreciation of arts and culture. During this three-day event, the City invites the community to participate in FREE “behind the scenes,” activities to discover the world of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators, and designers at work. Activity locations vary from year-to-year but typically take place at the Richmond Hill Central Library, Richmond Hill Heritage Centre, the Mill Pond Gallery and more.  This year’s lineup of activities includes the Public Library Culture Hub, Art Conversations and demonstrations with members of the Richmond Hill Art and Studio Tour, a Heritage Walking Tour and much more! A full listing of free Culture Days activities happening in Richmond Hill will be available at RichmondHill.ca/Culture Days in September. For more information about Richmond Hill Culture Days contact Stephanie Graham, Cultural Services Coordinator, at stephanie.graham@richmondhill.ca or 905-508-7012, ext. 228.