Public Works Open House and Healthy Yards Event

COVID-19 Update: Please note this event has been cancelled for 2021.

Join us for some family-fun at the Public Works Open House and Healthy Yards event. You'll learn about the important role that Public Works staff play in our community. You'll also have the chance to talk to gardening experts, enjoy a charity barbecue and bring home great prizes.

Demonstrations and displays

Educational displays and information booths show visitors first-hand how Richmond Hill and its Public Works staff take care of roads, water, parks, trees and public buildings. There are also helpful tips about home energy conservation, great sample giveaways and prizes.

Equipment and trucks

You and your family can climb up and feel what it's like to sit in the driver's seat of a snowplow, front-end loader, flusher truck or fire truck. Staff will be there to answer questions about the equipment.

Children's Activities

Learn about reptiles and amphibians at the Scales Nature Park booth. You'll have the chance to have a 'hands-on' experience. Kids can also enjoy face painting, get a cool temporary tattoo and/or have their portrait drawn by a caricature artist!

Charity Barbecue

The Open House charity barbecue is from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. You can buy hamburgers, hotdogs and drinks. Vegetarian options are also available. All proceeds support Hill House Hospice.

Healthy Yards Event

The Healthy Yards Event is an opportunity to pick up your pre-ordered native plants, rain barrels and composters, talk to gardening experts and bring home some free mulch for your yard (while quantities last). You can also take home a free serviceberry or sugar maple tree (while quantities last)!

Free Electronic Waste Collection Event

Have an old computer, phone, or television you need to get rid of? Drop them off, along with other electronic waste, next door at the Tom Graham Arena parking lot (1300 Elgin Mills Road East). Your items will be recycled and made into new products, which helps reduce waste and impacts on the environment! See the waste webpage for details on what items are accepted.

Prizes

Fill out a ballot and win some great prizes at the National Public Works Week Open House. Giveaways include rain barrels, swim passes and tickets to shows at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.