Welcome

As per the election regulation,  I will stop sending you the newsletter from July 31 until the end of election completion.  It is really my honor to serve you in the past 4 years and hope that I still have the chance to serve you in the future.

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

• Egyptian Heritage Month
• Tibetan Heritage Month
• Somali Heritage Week 

2026 July 1st was the 159th National Holiday.  Richmond Hill’s annual Canada Day celebrations featured a day full of live entertainment, food and beverage vendors, artist exhibits, midway and one of the best fireworks displays in York Region.  There were also  many free outdoor entertainment events for the entire community to enjoy including  Concerts in the Park at Mill Pond , Ribfest at Richmond Green , LIVE in the Plaza etc. 

From City level:

• City Providing 26 Grants to Support Programs,  Events and Activities Across the City
• Richmond Hill approves future plans for Richmond Green Park
• Richmond Hill breaks ground on Dave Barrow Civic Square

From Regional level:

• New traffic signals at the intersections of Gamble Road and Rothbury Road and Gamble Road and Selwyn Road
• Transportation improvements at Major Mackenzie Drive, west of Yonge Street

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 August 2026

Artists in Residence - Mill Pond Gallery

This week you will see complete work and work in progress from Stephanie H, Suzanne A and Kate G. Each Tuesday throughout July and August, members of the Richmond Hill Group of Artists will begin a one week residency in the Mill Pond Gallery.  

There is never an admission fee and all are welcome!

Summer Gallery Hours:

• Tuesday to Friday: 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm (9:30 pm on Thursday)
• Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Address: Mill Pond Gallery, 314 Mill Street, Richmond Hill, L4C 4B5

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, 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, August 13, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
• Thursday, August 20, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
• Thursday, August 27, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Address: Mill Pond Park, 321 Mill Street

Stargazing Party

Bring your own binoculars and observe the night sky at David Dunlap Observatory Park. Free event. No registration required. 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.

• Wednesday, August 12, 2026 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm
• Monday, August 31, 2026 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

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

Moonlight Movies

Every summer Richmond Hill hosts the Moonlight Movies event under the stars where attendees can enjoy a blockbuster or local film production shown on a large screen at one of our local parks!

Join us for some pre-show fun and indulge in some delicious snacks and desserts at 6:30 p.m.

For movie listings and locations, please visit RichmondHill.ca/MoonlightMovies

• Monday, August 17, 2026 8:00 pm
• Monday, August 24, 2026 8:00 pm
• Friday, September 11, 2026 8:00 pm
• Friday, September 18, 2026 8:00 pm

Address: Various Park Locations, Richmond Hill

Chapter 2 Community, City and Regional Service Changes 

City Service:

City Providing 26 Grants to Support Programs, Events and Activities Across the City

RICHMOND HILL – From arts and culture to community programming, 26 local initiatives are receiving a boost through Richmond Hill’s 2026 Community and Cultural Grant program. City Council has approved $99,985 in funding to help bring these projects to life and strengthen community connections across the city.

This year saw record interest with 71 applications submitted, highlighting the continued creativity and passion of Richmond Hill’s community groups, organizations and residents.

Congratulations to the 2026 recipients:

• Caterina Ichkhanian – Women Leading Forward
• Community and Home Assistance for Seniors (CHATS) – The Caregiver Wellness & Connection Project
• Dance Together Project – Project Dance Together: Young at Heart
• Greg Chiykowski – Ink Spots of Richmond Hill: Embracing the Blues
• Howard Wong – Comic Book Creation: Masterclass Series
• ICTC Youth Foundation – Voices of Richmond Hill: A Community Cultural Documentary
• International Psychology Association of Canada – Lantern Festival: Culture, Connection & Community Wellbeing
• Inventor Academy – Hands-On Digital Skills for Older Adults & Seniors
• Learning Disabilities Association of York-Simcoe – Skills Builder Adventure Camp
• Luminis Choir – Richmond Hill Vocal Arts Festival Gala
• Mastermind Dragon Robotics – Harmony Deck: Create, Trade, Sustain
• Play Forever – Play Forever x Crescent Village Community Garden Program
• Richmond Hill Group of Artists – Let’s Flock Together – Birds on the Hill
• Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra – Movie Magic; Home for the Holidays
• Richmond Hill Winter Carnival – Richmond Hill Winter Carnival
• Robin Hesse – The Richmond Hill High School Traffic Box Mural Project
• Sean Cisterna – Silver Screamers - Richmond Hill Retirement Home Film Festival Tour
• Shadowpath Theatre – Window Hopping
• The Village of Richmond Hill Business Improvement Area – 6 Senses Wellness Expo
• The World Path – The Living Lessons Program
• Toronto Asian Art Museum – From Artifacts to Art: Exploring Asian Heritage Through Museum Treasures
• UPlus Toastmasters Inc. – The Richmond Hill Connected Seniors: Digital Literacy and Public Speaking Program
• Victory Chess Club – Ontario Youth Chess Championship 2027
• York Region Educational Services – The Youth Leadership and Mentorship Initiative
• York Region Food Network – Midday Munch
• York South Family Network – York Region Holiday Disability Market 2026 & Spring Disability Market 2027

Grants support initiatives delivered within a 12-month period. Applicants could request up to 50% of total project costs, to a maximum of $5,000.

Since originally launching in 2015, the program has supported more than 162 projects involving over 677 activities, engaging 256,314 participants and 7,519 volunteers.

Learn more about the grant program, including eligibility and how to apply, at RichmondHill.ca/CommunityGrants.

Richmond Hill breaks ground on Dave Barrow Civic Square 

RICHMOND HILL – The City of Richmond Hill is proud to break ground on Dave Barrow Civic Square, a new destination park and central gathering place at the southwest corner of Yonge Street and Major Mackenzie Drive West. Richmond Hill Council broke ground today at the location of the park, with members of former Mayor Dave Barrow’s family in attendance. 

Dave Barrow Civic Square will become the City's sixth destination park and a signature public space designed to bring the community together year-round. Located on green space beside the Richmond Hill Public Library's Central Branch, the square will host community events, celebrations, and everyday gatherings, and will serve as a gateway to Richmond Hill's historic Village area.

Once complete, Dave Barrow Civic Square will feature a range of spaces and amenities for residents to enjoy in every season, including: 

• The Richmond Hill Bowl and Bowl Stage, an outdoor amphitheatre and permanent stage for concerts, movies and community performances 
• Richmond Hill illuminated letters, a signature sign with programmable lighting to celebrate civic events and community occasions 
• A seasonal skating rink in the winter months that converts to an events lawn for spring, summer and fall programming 
• An events plaza and terrace for gatherings, activities and everyday enjoyment 
• Natural spaces including woodlands, a pollinator meadow, a natural grass meadow and a marsh, connected by a network of new trails 
• A teaching garden for outdoor learning

The park also preserves the existing memorial bench and Dave Barrow's sandblasted quote, "It's all about community," honouring the former Mayor's decades of service.

Dave Barrow served Richmond Hill for more than 30 years, including as Mayor from 2006 to 2021. Construction of Dave Barrow Civic Square is expected to begin this fall.

For more information, visit RichmondHill.ca/ParksProjects.

Richmond Hill approves future plans for Richmond Green Park

Richmond Hill – Richmond Hill Council approved the Richmond Green Revitalization Master Plan, that addresses the growing community’s recreational needs and will pave the way for upgrades at the City’s largest outdoor sporting and event venue.

Future plans for the park include:

• 12-court pickleball hub (with design work expected to begin in 2027 and construction anticipated to start in 2028) 
• More walking trails to increase connectivity between the buildings, the park and surrounding residential area
• More signage for park roadways and increased traffic calming measures
• Designated youth sports area with a centrally located skate park, basketball courts and potential new volleyball courts
• More accessible drop-off area for soccer players
• New concession, washrooms, picnic pavilion and storage in new or renovated Agricultural Building to support large events
• New stage and ecological gardens around the stormwater pond
• Enhanced splash pad for waterplay and skate trail for winter skating

Learn more at RichmondHill.ca/ParksProjects.

Regional Service:

Transportation improvements at Major Mackenzie Drive, west of Yonge Street

Description:

• York Region is rehabilitating a culvert on Major Mackenzie Drive, west of Yonge Street in the City of Richmond Hill
• Culverts allow water to pass freely under the road

Duration:

• July to Fall 2026

Impact:

• Work will occur Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• The road will remain open to through traffic; however, lane restrictions are required
  • In stage one of construction, one westbound lane will be closed
  • In stage two of construction, one eastbound lane will be closed
• Access to homes and businesses will be maintained

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 during the construction period. We understand construction creates challenges for the community and we are working to deliver this project with minimal disruption. If you have any questions or concerns, staff will be pleased to respond. Contact us using any method noted below and quote “Contract: 26-137” in your inquiry.

New traffic signals at the intersections of Gamble Road and Rothbury Road and Gamble Road and Selwyn Road

Description:

• York Region is installing new traffic signals at the intersections of Gamble Road and Rothbury Road and Gamble Road and Selwyn Road. 
• New traffic signals will help manage increasing traffic volumes and reduce delays

Duration:

• July 2026 to November 2026

Impact:

The road will remain open to through traffic; however,lane restrictions are required:

• Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Access to homes and businesses will be maintained. As with all construction projects, work may be rescheduled due to weather. York Region will provide advance notice where possible.