Council is requesting public comment in accordance with the City’s Policy for Naming and Renaming City Parks, Open Space and Recreation Facilities. The City of Richmond Hill is proposing to name two parks within the park and natural heritage system as follows:

Millstone Park

(located at 0 Vogell Road, southeast of Leslie Street and Major Mackenzie Drive East)

The name “Millstone Park” references the stones, called millstones, used in gristmills or flour mills for crushing or grinding wheat and other grains. The Headford Grist and Woolen Mill operated along the Rouge River near this site from approximately 1832. John Cleaver Burr purchased the land at the southeast corner of Leslie Street and Major Mackenzie Drive East with the intention of building a grist mill. The mill was powered by water and produced barrels of flour. A woolen mill was added later enabling the production of flannel cloth. These industries played a key role in the rural development of the area.

Ownership of the Headford Mill changed several times over the years. Later in its operation, in the early 20th century, it was converted into a chopping mill and continued to operate on waterpower until 1912. It then ran on gasoline power for a few more years until its demolition in 1916. The name “Millstone” provides recognition to the important historical context of the mill and its associated industries in the early establishment of Richmond Hill.

Meadowlark Park

(located at 0 Vogell Road, southeast of Leslie Street and Major Mackenzie Drive East)

The name “Meadowlark Park” references the Eastern Meadowlark, which is a threatened species found in the nearby valley lands. The Eastern Meadowlark is characterized by its bright yellow throat and black “V” on its chest. In Ontario, these birds are found primarily south of the Canadian Shield breeding in moderately tall grasslands, weedy borders of croplands, orchards, or other open areas. An example of a Meadowlark site in Richmond Hill includes the Rouge River valley, located just southwest of the proposed Meadowlark Park, where these birds have been observed.

Birds play an essential role in maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems in our communities. Birds like the Eastern Meadowlark remind the public of the importance of continuing to protect a connected Greenway System throughout Richmond Hill. This species and its habitat are protected under the Endangered Species Act and the proposed park name will provide tribute to this important issue. Additionally, it will provide recognition to the naming of Richmond Hill as a ‘Bird Friendly City’.

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Please contact Taylor Posey, Planner II – Parks at taylor.posey@richmondhill.ca or 905-747-6573 by April 10, 2026.