City sets a comprehensive course for planning to 2041

Richmond Hill – Council has endorsed the Official Plan Update’s Key Directions Report to guide planning policies and address anticipated land use needs over the next twenty years.

The key directions will form the basis for revisions to the City’s Official Plan and help Richmond Hill achieve its vision of becoming “the centerpiece of York Region and one of the most prominent, complete communities in the Greater Toronto Area”.

Developed following considerable public consultation with residents, businesses and stakeholders, the report outlines areas of focus for city planning including: 

• attracting business investment and creating new jobs
• mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change
• improving walkability, and
• creating complete communities that provide residents, workers and visitors with options for transit, amenities, recreation, services, and housing.

While updating the Official Plan, the City will also consider housing affordability issues outlined in the Affordable Housing Strategy and place focus on creating age-friendly communities.

Read the full Key Directions Report to learn more about how the Official Plan, once updated, will shape the future of the city’s communities.

To be notified about public consultation opportunities for Phase 3 in spring 2022, subscribe to RichmondHill.ca/OPUpdate.

QUOTE

“I am excited we are taking another step forward in updating the Official Plan. Working together, we have developed a firm foundation to help us realize our vision for a vibrant city where growth is managed, housing can be affordable, the economy is strong, and we protect our cherished natural environment. It is incredibly important for the future of our growing community that everyone continues to participate in public engagement opportunities, so Richmond Hill can be a place we are all proud to call home.”  – Mayor David West

QUICK FACTS

• Public consultation for the Official Plan Update (City Plan 2041) began in February 2021.
• The City has received 580 survey responses for nine online surveys, 263 attendees at seven topic-focused virtual workshops and over 300 participants at two virtual open house sessions.
• In summer 2021, the City published David Dixon’s Planning for Change document, which provides advice to Council and the public about planning for our City from a future-ready perspective.
• In November 2021, the City published the What We Heard: Key Directions Engagement Summary report and the Key Directions Report for public review, prior to Council endorsement.
• City Plan 2041 is a key project supporting Council’s four Strategic Priority areas: balancing growth and green, fiscal responsibility, strong sense of belonging and getting around the city

MEDIA CONTACT

Lynn Chan, Communications Advisor

lynn.chan@richmondhill.ca