My Richmond Hill Newsletter

The City of Richmond Hill distributes the 'My Richmond Hill' print newsletter twice a year to all Richmond Hill households. This page showcases the stories from the most recent edition.

A Vibrant and Inclusive City of Neighbours

In February, Richmond Hill Council approved the City’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. We are excited to continue our path forward into the future! 

As our city continues to grow, so do the demands on our infrastructure, services and green spaces. Guided by the Strategic Plan’s vision “A Vibrant and Inclusive City of Neighbours,” we will continue to evolve and build a community that is sustainable and livable for generations to come. 

View the Strategic Plan and subscribe for future updates, including annual progress reports. 

More Trails at the DDO

As part of the implementation of the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory Park Master Plan, another section of trails is open. A total of 3.7 km of multi-use paths are now available for everyone to explore and enjoy the natural heritage of this unique site. 

Traffic Safety and You

Your safety is our priority. Council recently approved a new strategy to address the increase in traffic-related issues like speeding. We are continuing to install traffic calming measures in neighbourhoods, including speed cushions, flexible bollards and new pedestrian crossings. Subscribe to the webpage to learn more about traffic safety measures offered by the City. 

We're Hiring!

Dive into Aquatics – Work at the Iconic Wave Pool! We’re hiring swim instructors and lifeguards. Come join our team!  Apply today online.

Your Property Tax

Richmond Hill’s 2024 Budget was adopted in December. With a lower-than-forecasted 4.7% tax rate increase, we continue to have one of the lowest residential property tax rates in the Greater Toronto Area. This year’s increase amounts to $7.94 per month for the average single detached residential property in the city.

About 75% of your tax dollars go to York Region and local school boards, and what remains is used to provide essential services that residents rely on—from keeping over 1,800 km of roads and sidewalks safe to collecting waste, recycling and organics to providing libraries, fire and emergency services, recreation programming and dozens of other public services that strengthen our community.

>> Learn more on how we're putting your tax dollars to work

Living with Urban Wildlife

Help keep our wildlife wild by allowing them to rely on their natural ability to feed on their own. Please give wild animals space and do not feed them.

Did You Know?

Our Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) offers various grant programs and free services for local entrepreneurs and small businesses to invest and do business – and you can be a part of it! >> Learn more 

Hot Cars can be Fatal to Dogs

Even on mild days, dogs can overheat quickly and get very sick. Help keep your best friend safe… don’t leave your dog in a car. 

Get Involved

The City will be engaging residents on multiple projects this year through in-person consultations and online surveys. Share your thoughts on how your tax dollars are spent, changes to tree and animal related by-laws, the future of land use planning and more. Watch for additional info on the City’s website and have your say! 

Richmond Hill VOTES

2024 York Region
District School Board
Trustee By-election 

The City of Richmond Hill is holding a By-election for wards 1, 2 and 4 to fill the vacancy in the office of York Region District School Board Trustee. Voting will take place on Saturday, July 13, Sunday, July 14 and Monday, July 15, 2024.
>> Learn more at Richmond Hill Votes 

Sign Up for H²O e-Billing

Go green and paperless with your water bill! Sign up today to access current and past water bills, and pay with your credit card on the new water billing portal. >> Sign up today!

Never Stop Exploring!

Adventures await this summer – all in your City’s backyard! Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Festivals, Food and Flicks Join us for summer fun starting July 1 with Canada Day, followed by Concerts in the Park, Retro Ribfest and Moonlight Movies. RichmondHill.ca/SummerSeries
• Music Live In the Plaza Enjoy great local artists at Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. Tuesday nights feature various musical genres and Wednesdays are Open Mic nights. RichmondHill.ca/Concerts
• Go Out and Play Explore our 170 parks and 162 km of recreational trails. With amenities including playgrounds, splash pads, sports courts, picnic areas and two off-leash dog areas, there is something for everyone. RichmondHill.ca/Parks
• Get Inspired Visit the Richmond Hill Public Library and discover their new catalogue, borrow an experience pass, take part in a summer program, and more! RHPL.ca
• Look to the Night Sky Learn about star charts and brush up on your observing techniques with Stargazing Parties at the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory. Use your binoculars to follow a guided tour of the night sky.  RichmondHill.ca/Astronomy

Bird is the Word!  VOTE NOW!

We’re proud to be a “Bird Friendly City!” Cast your vote for Richmond Hill’s City Bird! Select from one of six feathered friends. Voting closes June 14, 2024. >> RichmondHill.ca/Birds

Are You a Female High School Student?

Explore careers in the Fire Service! Registration is open for Project Blaze, a fully involved program run by the City’s Fire and Emergency Services for Grades 10-12 female-identifying students on August 23-25. Participants get to experience all areas of the fire service and see how their skills and interests can lead to a rewarding career. Register by June 7 to take part!

>> RichmondHill.ca/ProjectBlaze 

Fireworks are only allowed without a permit on these days.

>> RichmondHill.ca/Fireworks

7 Tips for Enjoying Richmond Hill’s Trails

Good trail etiquette means being a good neighbour. Follow these tips to help ensure everyone enjoys their time in nature and stays safe!

1. Be courteous and share the trail
2. Stick to the right of the trail and pass on the left
3. Move to the side if you need to stop and don’t block the trail
4. When cycling, slow down and ring your bell when passing walkers and runners
5. Do not disturb wildlife
6. Leave no trace – Make sure to carry out all trash and dog waste
7. Stay on the trail – Avoid harming natural spaces around it

In Case You Missed It…

Richmond Hill’s iconic Mill Pond Park is being revitalized in the coming years with new amenities and connections, including a boardwalk, a new pedestrian bridge, a new trail and more.

>> Mill Pond Park Renewal Projects

Richmond Hill BLOOMS 2024

• May 31 – July 5: Nominate a front garden for recognition 
• September 7: Summer’s End Garden Social & Sustainability Fair

>> RichmondHill.ca/RHBlooms

Attracting Beneficial Insects to Your Garden

Only a few of the world’s 750,000 known insects are worthy of the label “pest”. Most are harmless, and many are beneficial. Follow these tips to help attract and protect these allies and attain great garden success with minimal or no chemical use.

• Plant a variety of nectar and pollen-rich plants to attract beneficial insects, including herbs and flowers of the daisy family like cornflower, coneflower, sunflower and coreopsis.
• Leave some plants like lamb’s quarters, Queen Anne’s lace and dandelions in your yard for food and shelter.
• Avoid chemical pesticides and fertilizers as well as botanical insecticides that kill the good insects with the bad.
• Minimize tillage to protect the habitat of soil insects and animals. 
• Establish permanent walkways and perennial beds, apply mulch and allow some leaves to remain where they fall for year-round shelter.

Source: Beneficial Insects by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

Life in the City

• Barbecuing in City parks? A reminder to use only 1 lb propane cylinders and keep barbecues 10 m away from all facilities and residences. Note, barbecues are not permitted in Lake Wilcox Park. >> RichmondHill.ca/ParksandTrails
• Planning a get together? City parks are great for hosting a family reunion or birthday party. Just don’t forget to get a permit for groups of more than 25 people. >> RichmondHill.ca/ParksandTrails
• Time to cut your lawn? Mowing your grass helps reduce rodents, mosquitos and pests. Reminder, grass and weeds on your property can’t be taller than 20 cm year round. Wildflower gardens are exempt if clearly defined from the lawn. >> RichmondHill.ca/Bylaws
• Let’s all enjoy our walks. It’s completely natural for your pup to go to the washroom. Just remember, when your dog stops and drops, that’s when you need to stoop and scoop. Thank you for helping to keep our park spaces clean for everyone. >> RichmondHill.ca/Bylaws

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