RICHMOND HILL – Acting Mayor Joe DiPaola reaffirmed Richmond Hill’s response to COVID-19 and wants to assure the community that we will continue taking the necessary steps to do our part help stop the spread of the virus. While we are currently living under exceptional circumstances Richmond Hill residents are still at low risk. 

The City of Richmond Hill continues to work closely with our regional, provincial and federal partners. We are following their lead on the precautions necessary to ensure containment and the safety and support of our residents. 

“The health and safety of our residents and staff is our top priority,” said Acting Mayor Joe DiPaola. “Our Emergency Operations Centre was partially activated on Monday, March 16 and community centres, the theatre, recreation programs, camps and public meetings are suspended until April 6. This is a necessary step to ensure the safety of our community.” 

Essential services such as Fire and Emergency Services, roads maintenance and waste collection will continue. Penalties and interest for late payment of property taxes will not be applied for the period of closure from March 14 to April 5. In accordance with the Province’s State of Emergency declaration, all bars and restaurants, except those facilities that provide takeout food and delivery are legally required to close effective immediately.

Our business community needs our support and so we are working with the Richmond Hill Board of Trade to identify needs and solutions that will help businesses through this challenging time. We will continue to support local businesses by delivering additional services online and over the phone. This includes providing access to information on available Federal, Provincial and private sector programs to support businesses impacted by COVID-19. 

Of course – we need to ensure that the municipality continues to operate. That’s why we are seeking permission from the Province to grant municipalities special permission to hold council and committee meetings online.  

Information about COVID-19 related City cancellations and closures, how to protect yourself and help for businesses is available at RichmondHill.ca/COVID19. The Access Richmond Hill Contact Centre is also available to respond to general inquiries by email at access@richmondhill.ca or by phone at 905-771-8800. In-person services will not be available until April 6, 2020. 

“These are difficult times and we realize that the disruption to your daily routines can be trying,” added Acting Mayor DiPaola. “We encourage residents to follow the advice of the medical experts and to take care of each other. We will get through this together.”

Contact

Kathleen Graver, Manager, Communication Services

kathleen.graver@richmondhill.ca or 905-771-2418