Strategic Plan Annual Report showcases 2025 key accomplishments

RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill’s 2025 Strategic Plan Annual Report outlines significant progress in addressing affordable housing, reconciliation efforts, improving climate resilience, strengthening connections with the community and more.

The City’s Strategic Plan was approved by Council in February 2024 and highlights goals for the City to deliver services to residents and create a vibrant and inclusive city of neighbours. The Plan has three pillars: Growing a Livable Sustainable Community, Focusing on People and Strengthening our Foundations.

Highlights of the City’s accomplishments in achieving the priorities of the plan include:

• Supported by City’s Housing Accelerator Fund grant from the federal government, awarded incentive funding to three projects representing up to 209 new affordable rental units to be built in Richmond Hill.
• Launched the Affordable Housing Concierge Pilot Program to prioritize application processing and support intergovernmental coordination of development that brings new affordable housing to Richmond Hill.
• Planted more than 13,000 trees across the city, including 1,780 trees at the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory as part of long-term ecological restoration efforts.
• Engaged with over 7,000 participants through surveys and public information sessions (in person and virtual) to understand community needs and support effective decision making on behalf of the community.
• Continued to strengthen relationships with the City’s Treaty Partners and Indigenous Communities by installing signs that recognize the Ojibway names of Richmond Hill’s waterways and partnering with Miskwaadesi Studio to create five Indigenous medicine gardens in the city.
• Hosted 23 events such as Canada Day, Concerts in the Park and First Night, which drew over 90,000 attendees to support the unique character and sense of community in Richmond Hill.
• Opened a new Cultural Centre in Richmond Hill’s original post office building to enable creative connection and support the city’s cultural groups.

• Received more than $1.7 million in grant funding, including from the federal and provincial governments, to support projects that improve accessibility, safety, customer service and make our infrastructure more resilient.

To learn more about 2025 achievements and upcoming projects in 2026-2027, read the report at RichmondHill.ca/StrategicPlan.

QUOTES

“I am extremely proud of our achievements in 2025 and want to congratulate staff for their dedication to addressing housing issues, consulting with residents and advocating for our city with other levels of government. As we build on this progress, I am excited about what we can accomplish this coming year to strengthen our community and deliver lasting benefits for everyone who lives and works in our vibrant and inclusive city of neighbours.”

-        Mayor David West  

“As we continue to implement the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, staff’s hard work and commitment has resulted in meaningful advancements in key priorities. We have achieved important milestones, setting the stage for more accomplishments to come.”

-         Darlene Joslin, City Manager