Contact: Mayor Dave Barrow, 905-771-2493, dave.barrow@richmondhill.ca

RICHMOND HILL - Yesterday, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled that Richmond Hill may appeal the decision of the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) regarding parkland dedication and signals that the OMB may have exceeded its mandate.

On April 22, 2013, the Richmond Hill Parks Plan was passed to determine the need for parkland over the next 20 years through an extensive public consultation process. At the same time, a Parkland Dedication By-law was passed to help ensure enough park space is available for current and future residents to enjoy.

Developers disputed the Parkland rates to the Ontario Municipal Board where the Board decided to set a different rate and cap the maximum amount of parkland or cash-in-lieu that Richmond Hill would receive from developers. That decision would affect Richmond Hill’s ability to obtain the necessary parkland needed to serve its growing community.

We are appealing the OMB decision as we believe that planning for the long term future of communities is a municipal responsibility. No one is better equipped to understand or respond to the needs of the community.

All residents, regardless of the type home they live in, should have access to local parks and open spaces. Parks enhance our quality of life, provide spaces that support healthy lifestyles, contribute to environmental protection and are especially important in high density areas as they beautify neighbourhoods and provide a place for people to enjoy.

Many municipalities support Richmond Hill’s appeal including Markham, Mississauga, Oakville and Vaughan because they recognize that the Town’s fight is a matter of broad public consequence.

Richmond Hill will proceed with the appeal of the OMB’s ruling. This is a monumental step forward and Richmond Hill now has the green light to proceed and we’re doing just that!