Welcome

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

• Filipino Heritage Month
• Italian Heritage Month
• Senior Month
• Portuguese History and Heritage Month
• Portugal Day – June 10
• United Empire Loyalists’ Day – June 19
• Somali Heritage Week – June 25 - July 1

June is  also National Aboriginal History Month in Canada!

From community level:

• Pole-Mounted Radar Speed Message Board Program 2026-2027
• Pedestrian Crossover :Tower Hill Road and Alhart and Street from July 2026 -end of 2026
• Pedestrian Crossover: Canyon Hill Avenue and Leyburn Avenue from July 2026 - end of 2026

From city level:

• An Open House on the City’s Official Plan and Comprehensive Zoning By-law
• Front Garden Fabulous – Who Deserves the Spotlight?
• Richmond hill introduces new events strategy

From regional level:

• Installing pedestrian crossovers including the High7 area.
• Notice of Construction : Yonge Street, 19th Avenue to Stouffville Road
• Notice of Road Closure:  19th Avenue from Bayview Avenue to Leslie Street
• Notice of Construction Bathurst Street between Gamble and Shaftesbury

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 July 2026

July 1 Wednesday: Canada day

Richmond Hill’s annual Canada Day celebrations features a day full of live entertainment, food and beverage vendors, artist exhibits, midway and one of the best fireworks displays in York Region.

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 2:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Address: Richmond Green Park, 1300 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill, ON L4S 1M5

July 4 Saturday: Steeped in History Exhibit

Steeped in History: Tea’s Culture, Commerce and Ceremony

Tea has been enjoyed for over 5,000 years. It began in China and spread across the world through trade, travel, and colonization. Along the way, tea became part of many cultures and traditions. Steeped in History brings together artifacts and reproductions from the Richmond Hill Artifact Collections and community reflections.

On display at the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre until February 2027.

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

Live in the Plaza

Richmond Hill hosts several live concert events throughout the community that are part of our Summer Series and feature an exciting line-up of performers, tribute bands and local talent.

• Tuesday, July 7, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
• Tuesday, July 14, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
• Tuesday, July 21, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
• Tuesday, August 4, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
• Tuesday, August 11, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
• Tuesday, August 18, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Address:  Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts (Outdoor Plaza), 10268 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3B7

Concerts in the Park

Richmond Hill hosts several live concert events throughout the community that are part of our Summer Series and feature an exciting line-up of performers, tribute bands and local talent. For a listing of performers and locations, please visit RichmondHill.ca/Concerts

• Thursday, July 9, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
• Thursday, July 16, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
• Thursday, July 23, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
• Thursday, July 30, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
• Thursday, August 6, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
• Thursday, August 13, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Address: Mill Pond Park, 321 Mill Street

Ribfest

Ribfest is an annual 3 day event that attracts professional Rib teams that travel from across North America and feature award winning ribs and variety of other food offerings. In addition, there is live entertainment and amusement offerings for all ages

• Friday, July 17, 2026 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
• Saturday, July 18, 2026 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
• Sunday, July 19, 2026 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Address: Richmond Green Park, 1300 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill, ON L4S 1M5

July 18 Saturday: Crêpe Paper Anemone Flowers with Jessie Chui

Discover the art of crafting strikingly beautiful anemone using crêpe paper – a uniquely textured, stretchable material that can be shaped and sculpted into lifelike forms. In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn how to stretch and shape crêpe paper petals, build a contrasting center with fluffy stamens, and assemble a full anemone stem with leaves. Suitable for beginners and those with some paper flower experience.

https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/richmondhill/activity/search/detail/143136?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

Saturday, July 18, 2026 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Address: Richmond Hill Cultural Centre, Boardroom

July 25 Saturday -Exhibit: Women in Toronto Astronomy

Explore the stories of women who made significant contributions to astronomy. The Into Focus: Women in Toronto Astronomy exhibit features artifacts connected to Helen Sawyer Hogg, Ruth Northcott, and Jessie Dunlap and highlights their work in research, education, and public outreach. On display are photographs, scientific instruments and personal artifacts, offering a unique glimpse into the legacy of women at the David Dunlap Observatory.

Presented by the David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, University of Toronto

Explore the exhibit during tour hours:

• Spring: May 30 to June 28
  Saturdays and Sundays: 1 - 5 p.m.
• Summer: July 2 to August 30
  Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
  Saturdays and Sundays: 1 - 7:30 p.m.
• Fall: September 5 to October 25
  Saturdays and Sundays: 1 - 5 p.m.

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

Stargazing Party

Bring your binoculars a flashlight, and folding chair to sit on while stargazing.

Please note that this program takes place in Observatory Park and there will be no access to any of the buildings, as well as no access to a washroom.

• Monday, July 27, 2026 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm
• Monday, August 31, 2026 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

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

Chapter 2 Community, City and Regional Service Changes 

Community Service:

Pole-Mounted Radar Speed Message Board Program 2026-2027

As part of the Traffic Safety and Operations Strategy (TSOS), the Pole-Mounted Radar Speed Message Board Program was expanded from 18 locations (3 per ward) to 30 locations (5 per ward) through staff report SRIES.24.003 – Traffic Safety and Operations Strategy (TSOS) Implementation Update. The existing locations have been in place for a full year and will be relocated to the new locations identified in Appendix A; except for four locations situated within a Community Safety Zone (CSZ) with school frontage. The relocation of the remaining boards is anticipated to be completed by September 2026, weather permitting.

Pedestrian Crossover Tower Hill Road and Alhart and Street in July 2026

As part of the 2026 Sidewalk, Illumination, and  Pedestrian Crossover Construction Program, the City is installing a new pedestrian crossover at the intersection of Tower Hill Road and Alhart Street. The scope of work includes sidewalk replacement, installation of new pavement marking and signage, and  streetlight upgrade.

Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 and be completed by the end of 2026, weather Permitting. Minor traffic delays are expected during construction. 

Pedestrian Crossover: Canyon Hill Avenue and Leyburn Avenue

As part of the 2026 Sidewalk, Illumination, and Pedestrian Crossover Construction Program, the City is installing a new pedestrian crossover at the intersection of Canyon Hill Avenue and Leyburn Avenue. The scope of work includes sidewalk replacement, installation of new pavement marking and signage, and streetlight upgrade.

Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 and be completed by the end of 2026, weather permitting. Minor traffic delays are expected during construction. Thank you for your cooperation and patience.

An Open House on the City’s Official Plan and Comprehensive Zoning By-law 

Richmond Hill – The City of Richmond Hill invites you to join an in-person open house to learn about changes to the City's Official Plan Update and Comprehensive Zoning By-law (ZoneRH) Update. These changes will guide where homes, businesses, parks and other community spaces can be built to support the growth of our community in the years ahead.

In-Person Open House:

Official Plan Update and Comprehensive Zoning By-law Update

Thursday, June 11, drop in between 6:30 and 8:30 PM

McConaghy Centre, 10100 Yonge Street

Official Plan Update

The City’s Official Plan guides how Richmond Hill will grow. It aims to support long-term, sustainable community building and to respond to climate change, creating a balance between jobs and housing and planning for other priorities for the community's future. At the open house, you will learn about:

• changes the City must make to comply with the new Provincial requirements

• the areas that will be identified for businesses and industries

• changes to Protected Major Transit Station Areas, such as density requirements

• how the City plans for new communities to support growth and promotes walkable communities, and more

Comprehensive Zoning By-law (ZoneRH) Update

The City’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law (CZBL 93-25) is a set of rules that help the City decide what can be built in different areas and how land can be used.  At the open house, you will learn how the City proposes to:

• revise zoning rules to implement the proposed Official Plan Update

• adapt the latest zoning trends and best practices, and modernize the City's zoning approach

• update building and development requirements and standards to help build a more livable city

• make zoning rules clear and easy for everyone to understand and apply

More Information

• Official Plan: Richmondhill.ca/OfficialPlan

• Official Plan Update: RichmondHill.ca/OPUpdate

• Comprehensive Zoning By-law Update: RichmondHill.ca/ZoneRH

Front Garden Fabulous – Who Deserves the Spotlight? 

RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill is blooming, and we want to celebrate the front gardens that make our community beautiful, vibrant and nature-friendly!

Residents can nominate their family, friends, neighbours or even their own front garden by filling out the online form at RichmondHill.ca/RHBlooms.

Whether they’re bursting with colour, buzzing with pollinators or designed with water-wise landscaping, every garden plays a part in creating a thriving community. Everyone is welcome and each nominated property will receive a recognition sign to proudly display.

For more information about Richmond Hill Blooms, including how-to gardening videos, visit RichmondHill.ca/RHBlooms.

Richmond Hill Introduces New Events Strategy

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.

York Region Service:

Installing pedestrian crossovers including High7 area.

Beginning in June 2026, York Region is installing pedestrian crossovers at seven intersections in the Cities of Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan. New signage and pavement markings will be installed at designated right-turn lanes to increase the visibility of pedestrian crossings.

Installing pedestrian crossovers, including new signage and pavement markings, at seven intersections:

• Highway 7 and Laidlaw Boulevard, City of Markham
• Highway 7 and Bayview Connection Road, City of Richmond Hill
• Highway 7 and Silver Linden Drive, City of Richmond Hill
• Highway 7 and Red Maple Road, City of Richmond Hill
• Highway 7 and Yonge Connection Road, City of Richmond Hill
• Highway 7 and Langstaff Road, City of Vaughan
• Highway 7 and Centre Street, City of Vaughan

Notice of Construction : Yonge Street, 19th Avenue to Stouffville Road

• Removing and replacing asphalt road surface on Yonge Street from 19th Avenue to Stouffville Road
• Intersection improvements on Yonge Street at Jefferson Sideroad and Jefferson Forest Drive:  upgrading traffic signals and installing new infrastructure to improve accessibility, manage increasing traffic volumes and keep the road in à good state of repair
• Repairing and replacing culverts that allow water to flow freely under driveways: Property owners will be contacted by the contractor prior to work commencing on  driveways
• Replacing guiderails that separate vehicles from potentially hazardous situations

DURATION: June to September 2026

IMPACTS TO TRAVELLERS: 

• Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Traffic control personnel will direct traffic when reduced to one lane
• Access to homes and businesses will be maintained

Notice of Road Closure:  19th Avenue from Bayview Avenue to Leslie Street

Description: 

• York Region is widening and improving 19th Avenue from Bayview Avenue to Leslie Street in the City of Richmond Hill to accommodate growth and provide more travel options
• A road closure is required to build two large culverts, raise the road, realign the creek and install a new storm sewer. 19th Avenue improvements started in summer 2025 and are expected to be completed in summer 2027.

Duration:

• Thursday, July 2, 2026 to
• Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Impact: 

• All tra c will need to detour around the closure
• Access will be maintained for local properties

As with all construction projects, work may be rescheduled due to weather. York Region will provide advance notice where possible. Thank you for your patience while this important work is underway.

Have questions? Contact us today.

Phone: 1-877-464-9675,  TTY: 711

Email: transportation@york.ca

After hours emergency: 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75200

Notice of Construction Bathurst Street between Gamble and Shaftesbury

York Region is working on guiderails along Bathurst Street in the cities of Richmond Hill and Vaughan. 

Description:

• York Region is improving the steel beam guiderails at various locations along Bathurst Street from Shaftsbury Avenue to Gamble Road in the cities of Richmond Hill and Vaughan
• Guiderails provide a barrier between the roadway and potentially hazardous situations
• This work includes removing and replacing or repairing guiderails and will ensure they meet current standards while increasing safety for road users

Duration:

• June to July 2026

Impacts to travelers:

• Lane reductions Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Access to homes and businesses will be maintained

As with all road construction projects, work may be rescheduled due to weather. York Region will provide advance notice where possible. For more information and project updates, visit york.ca/RoadConstruction