New plan to connect people, places and possibilities 

RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill City Council has endorsed the City's new Events Strategy, a 10-year plan (2026–2036) that will guide how cultural events are planned, supported and delivered across the community.

Events are at the heart of community life in Richmond Hill. They bring people together, add life to public spaces, celebrate the city’s diversity and help build a strong sense of belonging – from large city-wide celebrations to neighbourhood-scale gatherings. The new Strategy is guided by a vision to connect people, places and possibilities.

The Strategy replaces the City’s 2014 Festivals and Events Strategy and reflects how Richmond Hill has grown and flourished, with evolving expectations for accessibility, inclusion, sustainability and year-round programming. The Strategy was informed by a review of municipal best practices and public input. Results showed that residents value community events and are interested in more opportunities to celebrate culture, food and community traditions.

To bring the vision to life, the Strategy is organized around three main themes:

• Spaces: Creating and enhancing a network of accessible, event-ready places across the city, from destination parks to neighbourhood spaces.
• Experiences: Offering a diverse calendar of cultural events that reflects Richmond Hill’s people and identity, with a focus on expanding events across more seasons and neighbourhoods.
• Process: Strengthening coordination, governance and evaluation to ensure events are delivered efficiently, transparently and collaboratively.

The Strategy also introduces a clearer way of describing how cultural events happen in Richmond Hill, organized into two categories:

• City Events, such as Canada Day, Concerts in the Park, Ribfest and First Night, are approved by Council and delivered by the City.
• Community Events are organized and led by community groups, organizations and residents with support from the City.

In addition to existing support for community events, the City is exploring a new dedicated funding stream for community cultural events through its Community and Cultural Grant Program.

The Events Strategy supports the City’s 2024 to 2027 Strategic Plan and its vision of a Vibrant and Inclusive City of Neighbours. It also aligns with several key plans, including the Recreation and Culture Plan, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy, the Parks Plan and the Age-Friendly Community Strategy.

For more information about events in Richmond Hill, visit RichmondHill.ca/Events.

Links

• Read the Richmond Hill Events Strategy
  

Quotes

"I am proud of the work that has gone into shaping this new Events Strategy and of the residents, community organizations, staff and partners who contributed to it. Events are where our community comes together – where neighbours become friends and where pride in Richmond Hill comes to life. As our city continues to grow and diversify, we remain committed to making sure events are truly for everyone, in every season and in every neighbourhood."

- Mayor David West