Welcome

In February 2026,  there are many important date acknowledged by the Ontario government (https://www.ontario.ca/laws) including:

• Chinese Heritage Month

February is the Black History Month. This year’s theme is : “The official theme for Black History Month in Canada for 2026, marking its 30th anniversary, is "30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow's Visionaries.  Ramadan for 2026 will begin at sundown on February 17 to Mar 19, 2026 for a month of fasting, communal prayer, reflection, and community.

From Community level:

• Arnold Crescent, Highland Lane and Elizabeth Street Road Reconstruction
• Highgrove Street parking restriction meeting

From City level:

• Strategic Plan Annual Report showcases 2025 key accomplishments.
• Discover Richmond Hill with your passport to culture: Explore the City’s arts, heritage sites and local events for a chance to win.
• Wilcox Lake Parking permit 2026
• Register for Clean Up, Green Up Weeks 2026
• Richmond Hill SBEC International Women’s Day week celebration

From provincial Level - Alectra

• Power Outrage and Interruption. 

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 March 2026

March 3 Tuesday: Beyond the Logo: Building an Authentic Brand as a Woman Founder

Speaker: Radhika Kapoor, Creative Director and Brand Strategist at Moonrabbit Strategy

Are you a woman entrepreneur feeling overwhelmed by endless marketing to‑do lists or struggling to clearly articulate what makes your business unique? Many founders believe branding is just a logo or color palette, but it is the heart of your business—the bridge between your vision and the community you serve. Join Radhika Kapoor for an empowering webinar created specifically for women‑led startups and small businesses, where branding will be demystified and transformed into a strategic tool for confident leadership.

This session will explore the critical difference between branding and marketing, the power of defining your purpose as a guiding “North Star,” how to stand out authentically in a crowded market, and how to craft a brand voice and visual identity that reflects your values and leadership style.

Register using the link below: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/beyond-the-logo-building-an-authentic-brand-as-a-woman-founder-tickets-1980415114920?aff=oddtdtcreator

• Date: Join us virtually March 3 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Address: Virtual 

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

Date: 

• Saturday, March 7, 2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, 
• Tuesday, March 17, 2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

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

Richmond Hill SBEC International Women’s Day Week Celebration

Richmond Hill SBEC is thrilled to invite you to a special week of events in celebration of our 3rd annual International Women’s Day week celebration, designed to inspire, support, and elevate women in business.

Below is the event lineup of events hosted by us. Each session is free and created to help women entrepreneurs grow with confidence.

• February 26 – Live Viewing of Strikeup Conference:  Join us for Canada’s premier conference for women entrepreneurs with livestream keynotes, engaging panels, virtual exhibitor booths, and in‑person networking with our team.
• March 3 - Beyond the Logo: Building an Authentic Brand as a Woman Founder:  Discover how to express what makes your business truly unique. Branding expert Radhika Kapoor will share how to define your purpose and build a voice and visual identity that genuinely reflect your leadership.
• March 4 – Hustle to High Growth: 3 Pillars of Client and Cash Flow:  Learn how to create focused, sustainable growth for your business. Startup advisor Nicole Troster will guide you through practical tools, a workbook, and clear next steps.
• March 5 – Tech as an Equalizer: How AI levels the Field for Women in Business:  See how AI can reduce busywork, improve decision making, and help teams work more smoothly, without adding stress or complexity. CEO of ChangeConnect, Agnes Lan, will guide you through this session.
• March 6 – Panel Discussion: How Women Entrepreneurs can Sell to Government:  Hear directly from procurement experts at Procurement Assistance Canada, Supply Ontario, and WBE Canada about finding opportunities, understanding buyer expectations, and accessing supports for women‑owned businesses.

View our full web page here. https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/business/international-womens-day.aspx?fbclid=IwY2xjawQJ3MJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJiTHhTSHRPcWs3NU1nNVpic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHunsJr5rmSnpqFTKx11ZxDwMfKv2n6Bje2LEvB0gxPE8fLh7a_l2PPQCl89v_aem_zKWkZiztR8OnVrSmeC496A

March 14 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 3E6

March 27 Friday : 55+ Lunch Program & Bingo

Our Lunch Program is Back by Popular Demand. We are thrilled to announce the return of our lunch program. After receiving an overwhelming response from all of you, we couldn't be more excited to restart this initiative and continue serving delicious lunches to the 55+ Community. Our lunch program will also include entertainment. For the month of March, we will be hosting Bingo! Spread the word and mark your calendars. We look forward to seeing all of you. To attend you must register, spots available on a first come first serve basis.

https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/richmondhill/activity/search/detail/132566?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true&_ga=2.200913132.33594853.1770944549-341443219.1738424615

Date: Friday, March 27, 2026 12:30 pm

Address: McConaghy Centre, 10100 Yonge St.

Saint Patrick's Day Dance 

Chapter 2 Community, City and Regional Service Changes 

Community Service:

Arnold Crescent, Highland Lane and Elizabeth Street Road Reconstruction

Please be advised that the contractor will initially mobilize equipment and personnel to the site to commence underground works at the intersection of Major Mackenzie Drive and Arnold Crescent. Upon completion of the underground works at this intersection, and subject to weather conditions, the contractor will proceed with additional underground installations along Arnold Crescent, Highland Lane, and Elizabeth Street.

Upcoming Key Schedule:

• February to March 2026 – Tree trimmingand Tree removals and Sanitary SewerDrilling under Major Mackenzie Drive onArnold Crescent from Guinevere Court toHopkins Street
• April to December 2026 – Continuedunderground work (watermain, sanitarysewer and storm sewers)
• Spring 2027 to Fall 2027 – Roadwork(curbs, gutters, sidewalks, driveways, boulevard restorations)
• Summer 2028 – Final top asphalt paving

What is Happening?

The contractor will commence mobilization on site to install the sanitary sewer by drilling beneath Major Mackenzie Drive along Arnold Crescent, between Guinevere Court and Hopkins Street, beginning in late February 2026 and continuing through March. During this time, tree trimming and removals will also be undertaken in the area. Upon completion of these activities, underground works, including watermain, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer installations—are scheduled to proceed from April through December 2026.

What to Expect:

During the construction, partial lane closures and traffic delays will occur. Temporary traffic diversions may be necessary at certain times to facilitate construction activities safely and efficiently. Occasionally, a complete road closure may be required for safety and operational reasons. Should a full road closure be implemented, advance notice will be provided, and additional detour signage will be installed to inform and guide motorists safely through the designated detours.

For additional project information including past design notices, please visit RichmondHill.ca/CapitalProjects

Highgrove Street Parking Restriction Meeting

I have been engaged by residents living on Highgrove reported illegal parking and also community safety issues.  Discussed with the city traffic team, a proposal has been provided.  I would like to colect your feedback and prepare an acceptable solution forward to meet our local traffic and safety requirements.

Date: March 4:  Wednesday 7-9.

Address:  McConaghy Centre,  205 room.

Coffee and Cookies will be prepared. 

Strategic Plan Annual Report showcases 2025 key accomplishments

RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill’s 2025 Strategic Plan Annual Report outlines significant progress in addressing affordable housing, reconciliation efforts, improving climate resilience, strengthening connections with the community and more.

The City’s Strategic Plan was approved by Council in February 2024 and highlights goals for the City to deliver services to residents and create a vibrant and inclusive city of neighbours. The Plan has three pillars: Growing a Livable Sustainable Community, Focusing on People and Strengthening our Foundations.

Highlights of the City’s accomplishments in achieving the priorities of the plan include:

• Supported by City’s Housing Accelerator Fund grant from the federal government, awarded incentive funding to three projects representing up to 209 new affordable rental units to be built in Richmond Hill.
• Launched the Affordable Housing Concierge Pilot Program to prioritize application processing and support intergovernmental coordination of development that brings new affordable housing to Richmond Hill.
• Planted more than 13,000 trees across the city, including 1,780 trees at the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory as part of long-term ecological restoration efforts.
• Engaged with over 7,000 participants through surveys and public information sessions (in person and virtual) to understand community needs and support effective decision making on behalf of the community.
• Continued to strengthen relationships with the City’s Treaty Partners and Indigenous Communities by installing signs that recognize the Ojibway names of Richmond Hill’s waterways and partnering with Miskwaadesi Studio to create five Indigenous medicine gardens in the city.
• Hosted 23 events such as Canada Day, Concerts in the Park and First Night, which drew over 90,000 attendees to support the unique character and sense of community in Richmond Hill.
• Opened a new Cultural Centre in Richmond Hill’s original post office building to enable creative connection and support the city’s cultural groups.
• Received more than $1.7 million in grant funding, including from the federal and provincial governments, to support projects that improve accessibility, safety, customer service and make our infrastructure more resilient.

To learn more about 2025 achievements and upcoming projects in 2026-2027, read the report at RichmondHill.ca/StrategicPlan.

Discover richmond hill with your passport to culture

Explore the City’s arts, heritage sites and local events for a chance to win

RICHMOND HILL – Get to know Richmond Hill in a new way! With the City’s Passport to Culture, you can collect digital stamps as you visit various cultural sites and events across our community and complete your passport for a chance to win a City Prize Pack.

From lively festivals and outdoor concerts to hands on workshops, guided tours, art galleries, public art, museums and tucked away cultural spaces, Richmond Hill offers a wide range of cultural experiences to discover throughout the year.

How It Works

Using your mobile device, scan the QR codes at participating locations across the City, including the Heritage Centre, downtown cultural spaces, the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory, galleries, festivals, live performances, public art and more. Many locations are free, and some programs or special activities may have their own admission or registration costs.

Once you scan the QR code on-site, your stamp is added instantly. Collect six stamps by December 1, 2026 then enter for your chance to win a City of Richmond Hill Cultural Prize Pack, filled with unique local experiences, an overnight stay for two at the Sheraton Hotel, tickets to a show at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts and more.

Our new Passport to Culture is flexible and family friendly – perfect for Family Day, March Break, weekend outings or spontaneous adventures. Because it runs all year long, you can explore at your own pace and return in different seasons to see what’s new.

Get started today by visiting RichmondHill.ca/RHCulture or scanning the QR code at any participating site.

2026 Lake Wilcox Parking Passes Now Available 

Free pass offered for Richmond Hill residents

RICHMOND HILL – With spring and summer approaching, a reminder that paid parking will be in effect at the City of Richmond Hill’s Lake Wilcox Park from April 1 to September 30, 2026. Richmond Hill residents can get their free 2026 parking pass for the park and Oak Ridges Community Centre starting today at Parking.RichmondHill.ca. Please note that 2025 permits have expired, so residents will need to obtain a new pass for the current year. 

As one of the City’s Destination Parks, Lake Wilcox Park offers beautiful waterfront scenery and family-friendly amenities that attract visitors from the community and beyond. Paid parking helps ensure visitors from outside the city contribute to park monitoring and maintenance.

Free parking passes are linked to a licence plate number with one pass available per household. During the spring and summer months, carpooling is strongly encouraged to help manage traffic. In addition, weekend parking on neighbouring Lake Wilcox Park streets is restricted to residents and their guests with a permit. Permit parking is in effect seven days a week on Bayview Park Lane, the west end of Dariole Drive and Sandbanks Drive. Street parking permits are available for residents who live in the area.

• For more information and to obtain your free Lake Wilcox Park resident permit, visit RichmondHill.ca/Parking. 
• For other parking-related questions, please contact the City’s Parking team at 905-771-8860 or Parking@richmondhill.ca.

LET’S GIVE RICHMOND HILL A SPRING GLOWUP

Register for Clean Up, Green Up Weeks today!

RICHMOND HILL – Everyone is invited to help protect our natural environment by volunteering to clean up around their neighbourhoods during Clean Up, Green Up Weeks!

Residents, businesses, community groups and schools are encouraged to come together between April 20 and May 4 to help pick up litter that has accumulated over the winter in parks, trails, on boulevards and other public spaces.

The City will provide registered participants with gloves and garbage bags, and arrange for collection of the filled bags. Last year, 10,800 volunteers helped to clean up 195 parks, trails and neighbourhoods in our community!

Together, we can continue to help keep Richmond Hill safe and clean for everyone. Participants can register online at RichmondHill.ca/CleanUpWeeks until Monday, April 6.

For more information, visit RichmondHill.ca/CleanUpWeeks, email us at wastemgmt@richmondhill.ca or call 905-771-8800. 

Power Outrage and Interruption

Alectra working to restore and prevent power outages in York and Peel Regions

Vaughan, ON – Weather conditions this winter have caused a series of power outages across York Region, particularly in Vaughan, and parts of Peel Region. The primary issue is related to the salt and other de-icing products used on roads in response to the long stretch of cold and snowy weather we’ve had this January and February.

During cold and dry conditions, the salt contamination does not pose an issue. However, as the temperature gets warmer and moisture becomes present from precipitation or melting snow, the salt particles and dampness can cause problems for overhead distribution lines and other equipment.

While most of these power outages have been momentary in nature, with most customers experiencing momentary flickering, some outages were longer as 

crews worked to identify and safely repair the damaged equipment.

We apologize for the inconvenience and want to assure customers we’re working hard to resolve the situation as quickly and safely as possible. Outside, additional crews and support contractors have been called in to assist in equipment washing and restoration efforts to help prevent further outages. Inside Alectra’s System Control Centre, system controllers utilize technology to restore power to large numbers of customers by operating remotely controlled switches.

Because of the magnitude of salt contamination and the breadth of the electricity system impacted, there is a risk of more outages in the coming days. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this issue as safely and quickly as we can.

Customers can get updates on the company’s power restoration efforts by following the Alectra X account, @AlectraNews, or by viewing the outage map at alectrautilities.com.

Those who are without power for an extended period are encouraged to check on relatives and neighbours who may require assistance. We recommend avoiding opening your refrigerator or freezer doors unless necessary to prevent cold air from escaping. Learn more about 'food safety in an emergency' here:  alectrautilities.com/emergency-preparedness. 

Additional safety information can be found at alectrautilities.com/about-outages.

The safety of our employees, contractors and the community is our top priority. We appreciate the patience and support of residents and response teams as we navigate this outage response together.

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Media Contact Email: media@alectra.com | 24/7 Media Line: 1-833-MEDIA-LN