Open Letter to Residents from Mayor Dave Barrow

To all residents, families and businesses in Richmond Hill,

Here, and around the world, we are living through a truly unprecedented situation. The COVID-19 pandemic will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on our lives. 

And in a time when anxiety is heightened, I offer words of hope: We will get through this.

And here’s how.

We must come together as a community to think about others. We must take seriously the guidance provided by health officials and recognize by following these steps, we are not only protecting ourselves, but also protecting our families, neighbours, friends and our entire community. Personally, I entered into self-isolation after travelling to the United States with my family, as directed by the Government of Canada, because it is the right thing to do.

So I ask you, please:

• Engage in social distancing
• Practice excellent hygiene
• Stay informed. Visit York.ca/covid19 for public health information and Richmondhill.ca/covid19 for updates on our services.
• Buy only what you need at the store
• Support your local take-out restaurants and shops

For our part, the City of Richmond Hill is ensuring all essential services continue for our community – including fire services, waste collection, providing clean water, road maintenance and our contact centre remains open for calls during business hours.  On behalf of all Members of Council, I want to thank our staff for working tirelessly and creatively to adapt how we do things to maintain service in a way that also provides protection for themselves and their loved ones.

We have a team dedicated to helping local businesses maintain and ultimately recover, and have already taken action including waiving rules to allow after-hour deliveries so supplies can be replenished and advocating for financial help from the federal and provincial governments.

It takes everyone to keep our community great. Please take care of yourself and your family, and if possible, take a moment to check on someone who may be vulnerable. Wave to your neighbour. Phone a friend. Support others however you can.

We will get through this if everyone does their part. Thank you for choosing to make a difference.

Dave Barrow

Mayor, Richmond Hill