Richmond Hill Continues to Meet Its Goals 

Strategic Plan Implementation Sees Multiple Project Milestones Met 

Richmond Hill’s 2017 Strategic Plan Annual Report shows how we are continuing to build our community together. The report, which was presented to Council at its June 13 meeting, outlines the accomplishments of the last three years.

“We continue to achieve the goals the community set for us in the Strategic Plan,” said Mayor Dave Barrow. “Every staff member should be very proud of the progress that they’re making and the positive impact they have on our residents every day.”  

Richmond Hill has successfully completed the eighth year of Strategic Plan Implementation. Highlights include:

• Council approval of the Civic Precinct Project which will transform Town-owned lands at Yonge Street and Major Mackenzie Drive into a vibrant, all-season community space. Plans for the Civic Precinct include an expanded Central Library, amphitheatre, skating rink/reflecting pool, public square and municipal offices.
• Development of updated Procurement and Financial Control By-laws ensuring wise management of funds.
• Launch of RichmondHill.ca. The redesigned website is accessible, incorporates the former Business Richmond Hill and Cultural Plan websites and features an interactive calendar and a searchable directory of parks, trails and facilities featuring more than 2000 locations in Richmond Hill.
• Development and approval of the David Dunlap Observatory Park Master Plan, guided by the People Plan Task Force, that sets a vision and plan for the creation of a destination park that will preserve, enhance and celebrate the historic and natural importance of the site.
• Design completed and construction started on the Morgan Boyle Park Canada 150 Revitalization Project, which will include a Canada 150 themed splash pad.

While work on all of these initiatives continues, over the past year, implementation has focused on strengthening our people, technology and financial resources. The June 13 presentation to Council included an update on the Employee Strategy, IT Strategy and Financial Plans that are underway. These tools will help the Town better understand employee needs, guide the Town through the greatest amount of IT-related change the organization has ever seen and ensure the policies and actions are in place to strengthen the Town’s fiscal resources.

Through this work and more, Richmond Hill continues to meet the goals of its Strategic Plan: Stronger Connections, Better Choice, More Vibrant and Wise Management of Resources.

From 2009 to 2015, $270 million was invested in community infrastructure with $84.5 million designated for 2016 investments and an additional $61.8 million budgeted for 2017. This is a total investment in our community of $416.3 million since 2009.

The Strategic Plan Annual Report 2017 is available at RichmondHill.ca/StrategicPlan.