Welcome

In November,  there were many important date acknowledged by the Ontario government (https://www.ontario.ca/laws): 

• Albanian Heritage Month
• Hindu Heritage Month
• Lebanese Heritage Month
• Woman Abuse Prevention Month
• Scottish Heritage Day – November 30

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 375 hosted a Remembrance Day Parade on November 10th to commemorate those who sacrificed and served for our country.  

From community level:

• Traffic improvement from 50km to 40km (below table 1)
•  Parking restriction (below table 2)

From city level:

• 2025-2026  draft budget

The final budget plan will be decided in Dec, 2025 council meeting and  Mayor will table the Budget. The overall property tax includes 3 parts: York Region tax rating 4.22%, City of Richmond Hill 3.46%, and  School Board 0%,  the total is 3.89%.  Please see the newsletter for details: 

• The 2026 Operating Budget proposes a 3.46% total tax rate increase, comprised of a 1.96% tax rate increase for operational requirements and a Capital Asset Sustainability Levy increase of 1.50% tax rate equivalent.  For an average single, detached residential property in Richmond Hill with a  current assessed value of $1.146 million in 2026, the proposed tax-supported  budget represents an annual increase of $75.52, with $42.78 related to operational requirements and a $32.74 increase attributable to the Capital Asset Sustainability Levy.
• The 2026 Water and Wastewater budget proposes a 6.10% rate increase, and the 2026 Stormwater Management budget proposes a 50% rate increase. For an average Richmond Hill household using 170 cubic metres of water annually, and a property area of 7,024 square feet, the proposed rate supported budget represents an annual increase of $112.33 related to water, wastewater and stormwater management service.

• Richmond hill announces new fire chief 

From York Regional level:

• The new traffic light at Bathurst and Canyonhill was activated on Nov 20, 2025. 
• Bathurst Street Improvements from north of Highway 7 to Major Mackenzie Drive.
•  York Region Transit Service Changes: December 21, 2025, and January 4, 2026. 

Thank you!

Simon Cui

Richmond Hill Ward 4 Councillor

Cellphone: 437-326-0206

Website: https://simoncui.ca

Email: simon.cui@richmondhill.ca

Chapter 1 Incoming Events in December 2025

Dec 4 Thursday: 55+ Coffee Chat: Holiday Snow Globe Craft

Step into a world of snowy wonder and creativity with this Dry Snow Globe craft for the holidays. Take part in a relaxing and joyful workshop where you’ll create your very own personalized snow globe - a perfect keepsake for the holiday season. Complimentary refreshments will be provided; and the opportunity to join interactive games where you will get to know fellow members of the community.

Registration starts August 19th at 7am, space permitting.  All residents of Richmond Hill are welcome age 55 or more, no membership needed.

https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/richmondhill/activity/search/detail/129702?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true&_ga=2.2129648.1733248834.1763598909-341443219.1738424615

Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Address: Oak Ridges Community Centre, 12895 Bayview Avenue

Artist Co-Op Richmond Hill Art Gallery and Shop

The Artists Co-Op Richmond Hill is thrilled to announce our 4th year bringing once again an extraordinary holiday shopping experience to the historic Boynton House. at the Richmond Green. Our official opening celebration will be on Friday November 14th, but you can stop by for sneak preview on Thursday November 13. As a passionate group of local artists ,we take pride in continuing to provide a "shop local experience" celebrating our rich artistic community. Our Holiday Gallery showcases the diverse talents and creativity of our artists, featuring beautifully crafted metalwork, exquisite  pottery, original jewelry, fused glass wonders, captivating handwoven baskets and felted creations and stunning quilts, all surrounded by high quality fine art and photography. Visit our website to learn more and sign up for our emails  www.artistcooprh.ca 

• Thursday, December 4, 2025 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Friday, December 5, 2025 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Saturday, December 6, 2025 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Sunday, December 7, 2025 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Thursday, December 11, 2025 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Friday, December 12, 2025 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Thursday, December 11, 2025 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Friday, December 12, 2025 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Saturday, December 13, 2025 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Sunday, December 14, 2025 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Thursday, December 18, 2025 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Friday, December 19, 2025 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Saturday, December 20, 2025 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Sunday, December 21, 2025 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Thursday, December 25, 2025 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Friday, December 26, 2025 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Saturday, December 27, 2025 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Sunday, December 28, 2025 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Address: Boynton House @ Richmond Green 1300 Elgin Mills Road, Richmond Hill East L4S 1M5

Dec 6 and 13  Saturday: Afternoon Tea

Come together for a memorable afternoon tea surrounded by captivating entertainment, history and the enchanting gardens of Amos Wright Park. Guests are treated to a selection of dainty sandwiches, scones served with our special heritage cream and preserves, and sweet treats prepared especially for the occasion. Visit our Afternoon Teas webpage to reserve your spot today!

• Saturday, December 6, 2025 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm
• Saturday, December 13, 2025 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Address: Richmond Hill Heritage Centre, 19 Church St North, L4C 3E6

Small Treasures Art Show - Mill Pond Gallery

The Richmond Hill Group of Artists' Annual SMALL TREASURES  Art Show and Sale opens Saturday, November 29!A beautiful variety of original artwork, in many mediums, styles and themes are available.  Smaller sizes and smaller prices, perfect for the gift-giving season. Come in to find that perfect gift for yourself, or for someone special. Over 150 pieces of artwork to choose from! The Mill Pond Gallery is home to the Richmond Hill Group of Artists.  Shows are changed regularly, showcasing the work of individuals or a small group of artists. Our talented members’ work includes a wide range of mediums, styles and themes. The Mill Pond Gallery is located in the heart of historic Richmond Hill, across from the beautiful Mill Pond Park.

Date: Saturday and Sunday, November 29 & 30, December 6 & 7 and December 13 & 14, 11am-5pm

Address: The Mill Pond Gallery

Dec 9 Tuesday: Health & Wellness Workshop - Physical & Emotional Health

This 90-minute nutrition workshop explores the powerful connection between emotions and physical health, diving into how emotional patterns can contribute to disease. Participants will learn practical tools for nurturing both mind and body for better overall wellness.

Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 10:45 am - 12:15 pm

Address: Ed Sackfield Arena and Fitness Centre

Dec 11 Thursday: How Small Businesses Can Win Big With AI - Webinar

Small businesses and solopreneurs are achieving remarkable operational results with AI. Join us to discover the simple 5-step formula to win.

Thursday, December 11, 2025 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Address: Virtual

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/how-small-businesses-win-big-with-ai-tickets-1906892580039?aff=oddtdtcreator

Dec 13  Saturday- Anne in Costume - Exhibit

In celebration of iconic Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, this exhibit showcases costume designs inspired by her beloved novel Anne of Green Gables. The featured reproductions are of original designs by award-winning costume designer Martha Mann, on loan from the Toronto Public Library's Special Collections in the Arts. Presented alongside artifacts from the Richmond Hill Artifact Collection, this exhibit invites visitors to explore how storytelling, design and heritage come together to shape cultural memory—offering inspiration that continues to resonate across generations. Now accepting requests to book an exhibit tour or discovery package for school and youth service groups.

On display at the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre until March 21, 2026.

Gallery Hours:

• Tuesdays 1 – 4 p.m.
• Thursdays 4 – 8 p.m.
• Saturdays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Address: Richmond Hill Heritage Centre, 19 Church St North, L4C 3

Dec 20 Saturday: Holidays at the RHDDO

Lift your holiday spirit to a whole new level! Enjoy an engaging presentation exploring what winter is like across our solar system, featuring stunning real images of icy planets and moons.   Step into our Skylab, where we’ll recreate the winter night sky using advanced planetarium software. Weather permitting, you’ll also have the chance to observe celestial objects like Saturn and other planets through the RHDDO’s historic 74-inch telescope. Relax in the beautiful Library, snap a photo beside our Christmas tree, and get creative with celestial-themed crafts. Holidays at the RHDDO offers fun and wonder for the whole family!

Registration required.

https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/richmondhill/activity/search/detail/130450?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true&_ga=2.161625852.1733248834.1763598909-341443219.1738424615

Date:  Saturday, December 20, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Address: Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory, 123 Hillsview Drive, L4C 1T3

Chapter 2 Community, City and Regional Service Changes 

City Services:

Provincial blue box program changes coming January 1,  2026

New program owner and customer service contact; same blue box and schedule

RICHMOND HILL – The Province of Ontario is transitioning the blue box program to a new model that makes producers of recyclable materials responsible for their collection and processing instead of municipalities. Starting January 1, 2026, residential recycling in Richmond Hill will be managed by Circular Materials, a non-profit organization that represents producers.

Richmond Hill residents who receive curbside waste collection will continue to receive uninterrupted recycling collection service, but should be aware of the following:

What's changing

Starting January 1, 2026:

• New program owner, same collection contractor: Miller Waste will provide blue box collection on behalf of Circular Materials.
• New customer service contact: All blue box related inquiries, including missed collections and requests for new blue boxes must be made directly to Miller Waste, instead of the City. Contact details will be posted to the City website once they are available.
• Separate trucks for recycling/organics: Blue boxes and green bins will be collected by separate trucks (at different times during the day) instead of being co-collected on the same truck. 
• Residents can recycle more materials: New items include hot and cold takeout cups and lids, plastic bags, foam packaging, black plastic containers, deodorant sticks and toothpaste tubes. 

What is NOT changing

• Collection schedule: There will be no changes to the collection schedule, but collection times will vary. 
• Blue box: Residents can continue to put their recycling out in the same blue box they are using now.
• Garbage, organics and yard waste collection: The City will continue to collect garbage (including furniture and larger items), green bins and yard waste, as well as large appliances (by appointment) following the current collection schedule. 

City staff are working with Circular Materials to help ensure a smooth transition and keep our community informed.

For more information, including the expanded list of recyclables, visit RichmondHill.ca/BlueBox.

The City of Richmond Hill has appointed Tom Raeburn as the City’s new Fire Chief, effective December 1, 2025. 

Chief Raeburn began working as Deputy Chief with Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services (RHFES) in January 2021. Since joining the City, he has been a key leader within the department, providing valuable administrative, operational and strategic support that enhances RHFES’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies. With strong expertise in workforce management and extensive experience across all areas of fire service operations, he is recognized as a trusted and respected leader. 

Prior to joining Richmond Hill, Chief Raeburn was the Fire Chief for the Town of Innisfil and the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury. He has 30 years of experience in fire services and over 12 years of experience as a high-ranking fire officer.  Richmond Hill Council approved the appointment at the November 12, 2025 Council Meeting, following the retirement of Chief Bryan Burbidge. 

For more information about Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services, visit RichmondHill.ca/Fire.  

From York Regional level:

Bathurst Street Improvements from north of Highway 7 to Major Mackenzie Drive

• Widening the road to six lanes to include transit/High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes
• Building new sidewalks and cycle tracks
• Replacing a storm sewer system
• Replacing a watermain on behalf of theCity of Richmond Hill
• Upgrading culverts, intersections and lighting
• Streetscaping and tree planting

Duration: 

Road construction is expected to start in Spring 2026 and be complete in Fall 2028. The contractor may do some preparatory work over the winter period. As with all construction projects, work may be rescheduled due to weather. York Region will provide advance notice where possible. For updates, follow @YorkRegionGovt on Facebook and X.

York Region Transit Service Changes: December 21, 2025, and January 4, 2026

Effective December 21, 2025, holiday schedule adjustments will be made to various routes, including:   

• Suspension of High School Special routes during the two-week holiday closure  
• Additional service to Vaughan Mills Mall and Canada’s Wonderland via Routes 320 and 360  
• Ride for free on New Year’s Eve after 7 p.m. and extended late night service on select routes 
• For more information visit yrt.ca/ServiceChanges (information will be available online December 1) 

Effective Sunday, January 4, 2026, schedule adjustments will be made to various routes to match customer demand, including:

• Reinstatement of High School Special routes
• Route 2 – Milliken will be extended along Kirkham Drive on weekdays
• Route 13 – Islington will be extended north of Major Mackenzie Drive to Islington Avenue/Highway 27 and south of Steeles Avenue to Humber College Terminal. Service along Napa Valley Avenue will be discontinued and riders may use Route 85 – Rutherford as an alternative
• Route 415 – Stouffville District School Special will have additional trips to meet growing demand
• Route 426 – Dr. G.W. Williams School Special via Stone: the second afternoon trip will be discontinued due to low ridership
• For more information visit yrt.ca/ServiceChanges (information will be available online December 1) 

This information is being provided to you in advance of notification to the general public. Travellers will be informed of these changes through notices posted at bus stops, on-bus, terminal and vivastation announcements, media advisory, YRT Contact Centre, yrt.ca and social media @YRTViva. 

If you have any questions about these initiatives, please contact:  

• Richard Montoya, Director, Transit Operations, York Region Transit, at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75928 or Richard.Montoya@york.ca  
• Tamas Hertel, Manager, Service Planning, York Region Transit, at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 76047 or Tamas.Hertel@york.ca  

For general inquiries, please contact the YRT Contact Centre at 1-866-668-3978 or via email at transitinfo@york.ca.