Welcome

Holiday season is coming. I would like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and prosperous 2025! Happy Hanukkah! Merry Christmas! Joyous Kwanzaa! And Happy New Year!

• Dec 14- 22:  Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights! Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods. 
• Dec 25th: Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world.
• Dec 26-Jan 1:  Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day.

From Community level:

• 169 Richmond Street 1 plus 3 additional residential units ARU proposal:

The subject lands, municipally known as 169 Richmond Street, are generally located Northwest of Yonge Street and Major Mackenzie Drive West. The property has a lot area of approximately 2,509 sq m (27,006.65 sq.ft) and a lot of frontage of approximately 16.6 m (54.46 ft). Currently there is a single dwelling existing, there will be additional 3 ARUs proposals. 

The original COA meeting scheduled on Dec 18 2025 has been postponed, the new date has not been decided. Please engage with the Committee of Adjustment Richmondhill <committeeofadjustment@richmondhill.ca> for more details and  latest updates. 

From City level:

• 2025-2026  budget

Mayor David West’s 2026 budget for Richmond Hill was adopted on December 10. 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.

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 January 2026

Gigantic Jupiter at the Observatory

Join us at the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory as Jupiter, the Earth, and the Sun all align in their celestial dance - an astronomical arrangement known as opposition.

Astronomers will have views through telescopes (weather dependent), interesting facts and stories about Jupiter, special guests, and fun activities. Registration is required: https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/richmondhill/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&center_ids=22&activity_keyword=Gigantic%20Jupiter&viewMode=list

• Friday, January 9, 2026 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm
• Saturday, January 10, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

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

Jan 10 Sunday - 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 3E6

Jan 15 Thursday - Small Business Growth 2026: Proven Digital Marketing Strategies webinar

Join us Thursday, January 15 from 10 – 11:30am for the Small Business Growth 2026: Proven Digital Marketing Strategies webinar. Discover proven frameworks for AI-driven campaigns.

Learn what’s really working in digital marketing and how to apply it to grow your business in 2026. This session reveals tested strategies that have generated over 700,000 qualified leads and delivered a 10.3x return on ad spend (ROAS) using social media, marketing automation, and AI-driven insights. Register with link below.  https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/small-business-growth-2026-proven-digital-marketing-strategies-tickets-1977294507098?aff=oddtdtcreator

Thursday, January 15, 2026 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Address: Virtutal

Jan 24 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! https://forms.richmondhill.ca/Community-Services/Afternoon-Tea-Reservation-Request

Saturday, January 24, 2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

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

Jan 31 Saturday- New! Radiant Resin Art: Korean Pearl Crafts

Discover the timeless beauty of Najeonchilgi – the traditional Korean art of mother-of-pearl inlay – with artist-instructor Kay Lee. In this beginner-friendly workshop, you will craft a shimmering, intricate keepsake by inlaying iridescent pieces of mother-of-pearl onto lacquerware. This session invites you to explore Korean heritage with a modern twist. Register for Radiant Resin Art: Korean Pearl Crafts with Kay Lee.

https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/richmondhill/activity/search/detail/136431?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Address: Rouge Woods CC - Aspen Room B

Jan 31 Saturday: Ink Spots of Richmond Hill: Making Ink from Compost.

This special art exhibit is part art show and part educational experience. It will feature eight different  artists and approximately twenty-five ink paintings. These paintings are made using homemade inks from materials commonly found in your kitchen compost such as avocado pits, yellow onion skin, and grape vines. You will be amazed at the variety of rich harmonious coloured inks that can be made for free from discarded materials. Visit, discover, and learn what colours can be made from compost materials and homemade inks.

Date:

• Saturday, January 31,2026 
• Sunday, February 1, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Venue: Richmond Hill Mill Pond Gallery

Chapter 2 Community, City and Regional Service Changes 

City Services:

RICHMOND HILL – Mayor David West’s 2026 budget for Richmond Hill was adopted on December 10. This budget reflects Richmond Hill’s values and priorities, ensuring the City remains vibrant, resilient and welcoming for generations to come. It was developed through diligent research and extensive discussions, focusing on what matters most to the people of Richmond Hill, while making the most out of every tax dollar.

The budget is made up of an Operating Budget that supports the City's day-to-day operations, such as waste collection and recreation programs, and a Capital Budget that supports its foundation, such as infrastructure and investments. It responsibly and transparently delivers the many services everyone in our community relies on every day.

The total 2026 Operating Budget of $257.9 million results in a 3.46% property tax rate increase for taxpayers, reflecting a 1.96% increase for the Operating Budget and a 1.5% increase for the Capital Asset Sustainability Levy. This increase equals $6.29 more per month on the City’s portion of the tax bill for the average single detached residential property in the city.

Richmond Hill is expected to welcome 25,000 new residents by 2031. To support the evolving needs of our growing community, the Capital Budget is set at $121.1 million, a significant increase from $89 million in 2025, to fund over 152 projects, focusing on our most critical infrastructure needs and keeping our foundation strong and future-ready.

The City’s Budget is Your Budget

The 2026 Budget was created for everyone who lives and works in Richmond Hill. It maintains our community today and strengthens our vision tomorrow, keeping our home a Vibrant and Inclusive City of Neighbours.

For a comprehensive look at the budget and a video about how the annual budget is developed, visit RichmondHill.ca/Budget