Strategic Plan Annual Report highlights 2024 achievements

RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill has released its 2024 Strategic Plan Annual Report, highlighting achievements in addressing the housing crisis, reconciliation efforts, sustainability, and the city’s  commitment to customer service and more.

In February 2024, the City created a Strategic Plan with the community to outline the goals for the city to deliver services to residents and build create a vibrant and inclusive city of neighbours. The Council approved 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:

• Approving planning applications which represent 4,437 new residential units.
• Adopting the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Design Community Improvement Plan, amending the zoning by-law to minimize and streamline required approvals and other work toward implementing the City’s commitment to build more housing as part of  the grant the City received from the Federal government as part of the Housing Accelerator Program.
• Establishing Bird-Safe Design Standards for new development and planting 12,067 trees.
• Engaging over 8,000 participants in community consultation and welcoming over 75,000 attendees at City Events.
• Implementing traffic calming measures that reduced speeding in neighborhoods by up to 22% and decreased traffic volume by up to 17%.
• Strengthening the City’s relationship with its Treaty Partners, including the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN), by hosting an exhibit on their history in southern Ontario at the City’s Heritage Centre.
• Receiving over $5 million in grant funding from other levels of government to support capital projects and other community priorities, such as from the Province’s Housing Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWS) and Federal funding to support Canada Day celebrations.
• Launching the City’s first Service Charter which includes nearly 40 service commitments which set clear service standards for residents.

To learn more about 2024 achievements and for a look ahead to exciting projects in 2025-2026, read the report at RichmondHill.ca/StrategicPlan.

QUOTES

“As we continue to make Richmond Hill “A Vibrant and Inclusive City of Neighbours,” I am so proud of our achievements in 2024. I want to congratulate staff on the work they have done to address housing issues, consult with the community to hear their feedback and continue to advocate for Richmond Hill with other levels of government! I am very pleased with our progress as we make strides towards building a community that is special to everyone who lives and works here!”

- Mayor David West  

“The accomplishments in this first year of implementation of the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan are a direct result of staff’s hard work and dedication. They have made significant progress on key projects and priorities and I look forward to our continued success.”

-  Darlene Joslin, City Manager