Raika Sheppard will represent Ward 4 for the remainder of the current Council term

Richmond Hill – At the March 22 Special Council Meeting, Raika Sheppard was appointed Ward 4 Councillor.

Sheppard holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from York University and Juris Doctorate from Taft University. A licensed realtor, she is manager of JK Law Professional Corporation in Richmond Hill. She has been Chair of the Village of Richmond Hill Business Improvement Area (BIA) since 2018, developing strong ties to the local community and creating an inclusive, multifaceted organization working with the City of Richmond Hill and other levels of government.

Sheppard took the Oath of Office on March 22 and will attend her first Council meeting March 23. The term of this position is from March 22 to November 14, 2022.

The Ward 4 Councillor position became vacant when David West won the By-election for Mayor in January. City Council voted at its February 9 meeting to fill the Ward 4 vacancy using an appointment process, which is one of the options in the Council Vacancy Policy.

A total of 26 candidates participated in the appointment process. Each candidate was given an opportunity to address Council for a maximum of 10 minutes, either in person or electronically, at the Special Council Meeting.

QUOTE

“The people of Richmond Hill always step-up and I’m proud that we had so many candidates eager to serve their community as Councillor. I thank them all for their participation in this process. I’d like to congratulate Raika Sheppard and welcome her to Richmond Hill Council. I’m certain she will be a fine addition to Council and a great representative of Ward 4.”   - Mayor David West

“I’m very thankful for the trust Council has placed in me by appointing me Ward 4 Councillor. I know I have big shoes to fill, replacing Mayor West after his many years representing our Ward and I’m excited to get started. I plan to be the dedicated, engaged representative that Ward 4 residents and businesses deserve.”   - Raika Sheppard, Ward 4 Councillor

ADDITIONAL LINKS

RichmondHill.ca/Ward4Vacancy

Ward 4 Councillor and Ward 4 map

2022 Municipal Elections - RichmondHill.ca/RHVotes

MEDIA CONTACT

Libbi Hood, Communications Advisor
Libbi.hood@richmondhill.ca

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