Welcome

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

• Ukrainian Heritage Day – September 7
• Franco-Ontarian Day – September 25

September 22-24, 2025 is Rosh Hashanah (literally, “Head of the Year”) , which is the Jewish New Year, and marks the beginning of a 10-day period of prayer, self-examination and repentance. September 30 is the annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honouring the Survivors of residential schools and the children who never came home, as well as their families and communities. Also in this month,  the Italian community celebrates grape harvest including  “la vendemmia”  and the Festa dell'Uva. 

In September , we hosted our food bank drive event, and also a traffic safety meeting for the Mill Street area. Also a few tragedies occurred in our community in September including a home fire and daycare centre car incident.  All city flags lowered to half-mask to express the condolence for those families and loved ones affected. Mahsa Amini Memorial Bench and Tree were planted to honor Mahsa Jina Amini’s life and the movement her death inspired at Richmond Hill Centre Library. 

From community level:

• A new traffic calming location on Mill Street from Wood Lane/Trench Street to Libby Blvd/Bridgeport Street to be installed 2025 upon weather conditions. 
  • Installation of 3 specialized median bollards; and
  • Two "Max 40 km/h" custom-painted pavement markings.

From city level

• City Approves New Micromobility Strategy and Micromobility By-law
• Council adopts the City’s first Comprehensive Zoning By-law
• Public meeting for Pickleball and Tennis Strategy in October
• Fire prevention week open house  on October 4 
• Winter Programs Registration  Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 7:00 am

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 October 2025:

Oct 3 Friday - Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration - Community Fair

Organized by the International Psychology Association of Canada (IPAC), a federally registered not-for-profit organization. The Mid-Autumn Festival Community Fair is a large-scale cultural celebration that brings together Richmond Hill families, newcomers, and community members to experience the traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival.  Participants can enjoy a wide range of interactive family activities and cultural showcases, including:

• Traditional Chinese games such as pitch-pot (投壶) and lantern riddles (猜灯谜)
• Face painting for children and families
• Mini-Archery demonstration featuring the Chinese traditional bow (弓道)
• Essential oil and crystal wellness experience
• Traditional Chinese cultural heritage crafts (国风非遗手作)
• Lantern painting (画灯笼)
• Live performances of traditional Chinese songs

Date: Friday, October 3, 2025 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Address: Munshaw Gym A, Langstaff Community Center. 155 Red Maple Drive

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.

• Saturday, October 4, 2025 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
• Saturday, October 25, 2025 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm
• Saturday, November 22, 2025 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
• Saturday, November 29, 2025 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
• 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

Pre-Registration is required:

https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/learn-more/Afternoon-Tea.aspx

Oct 5 Sunday - From Fall to Frost: Get Your Garden Winter-Ready

Whether you’re a first-time gardener or a seasoned green thumb, this free workshop is for you! Join the City of Richmond Hill and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority for an informative session to learn the essentials from clean up to composting that will help protect and prepare your garden for the cold months ahead.

Join us to learn:

• Practical composting and soil amendment tips
• How to protect your perennials, trees and shrubs
• How to support pollinators and wildlife over the winter
• How to extend the growing season with simple cold frames

Date and time: Sunday, October 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (doors open at 9:50 a.m.)

Location: Bayview Hill Community Centre, 114 Spadina Road, Richmond Hill

Oct 7 Tuesday - The United Nations of Comedy

Hello Richmond Hill! Get ready for a night of world-class stand-up comedy the whole family can enjoy! On October 7th, 8th, and 9th at Richmond Hill Centre For The Performing Arts, The United Nations of Comedy brings together a powerhouse lineup of comedians for a Comedy Gala packed with laughter, cultural celebrations, and side-splitting stories. Starring Joe Avati and The Portuguese Kids with special guests Efthimios Nasiopoulos and Leonard Chan and hosting the event is Canadian favourite Ali Hassan.

Each performer delivers their unique perspective and vibrant storytelling, blending sharp wit with hilarious tales of family traditions, cultural quirks, and everyday life. This is comedy at its finest—where diversity shines and laughter unites!

• Tuesday, October 7, 2025 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
• Wednesday, October 8, 2025 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
• Thursday, October 9, 2025 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Address: Richmond Hill Centre For The Performing Arts

Oct 8 Wednesday - 55+ Coffee Chat: Memory and the Brain

We embark on a journey into the filing cabinet of your mind: memory! What is memory, how does it function (and malfunction) and what can we do to make sure it keeps working for us…. At least as well as it is capable of. There is an immense amount of stigma and fear around the concept of memory and memory loss, but we will tackle tips and tricks to keep your memory in tip top shape.  Complimentary refreshments will be provided; and the opportunity to join interactive games where participants will get to know fellow members of the community.

Register starting August 19th at 7am.  All Richmond Hill residents age 55 or more are welcome to attend.  No membership needed.

https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/richmondhill/activity/search/detail/127086?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true&_ga=2.175581601.2046534091.1758943658-341443219.1738424615

Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Address: McConaghy Centre, 10100 Yonge St.

Oct 14 Tuesday : Winter Programs Registration 

Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 7:00 am

• Resident Registration Date: Tuesday, October 14
• Non-Resident Registration Date: Tuesday, October 21

Oct 18 Saturday : Portrait Beginnings: Photo Transfer & Glazing with Nancy Falconi

Nancy Falconi will guide you through the captivating process of turning a cherished photograph into a striking work of art! In this half-day workshop, you will learn to transfer your own photo onto a painting surface, then layering it with luminous acrylic glazes to bring out rich depth, glowing colour, and expressive dimension. Register for Portrait Beginnings: Photo Transfer & Glazing with Nancy Falconi

https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/richmondhill/activity/search/detail/129118?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true&_ga=2.179767463.2046534091.1758943658-341443219.1738424615

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Address: Rouge Woods CC, Aspen Room B

Oct 18 Saturday: Fall Colours Walk (Free)

FREE EVENT:  Join the TRCA and the City of Richmond Hill as we explore the bright colours of fall as native wildflowers and trees put on a beautiful seasonal show. This gentle, nature-filled walk is a great way to enjoy the fresh autumn air. Bring the whole family and join us for a fun, guided walk through Phyllis Rawlinson Park!

REGISTER NOW: https://trca.ca/events-calendar/#event=fall-colours-walk-phyllis-rawlinson;instance=20251018100000?popup=1&lang=en-US

If you wish to cancel please contact Jill at jill.kelly@trca.ca, at least 2 days prior to the event.

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Address: Phyllis Rawlinson Park - 11715 Leslie St

Oct 19 Sunday: - Walk and Learn Tours - Lake Wilcox

Stroll through Lake Wilcox Park and learn about its geological formation, Indigenous history and recent settler story. Includes a look at restoration projects and the Public Art collection. Free walking tours offer a chance to explore Richmond Hill’s heritage. Residents are invited to immerse themselves in Richmond Hill’s history and discover the diverse perspectives and distinctive cultures and stories of City neighbourhoods. Tours run rain or shine. Wear appropriate attire for walking outdoors. Duration 1.5 – 2 hours. No registration required. Free admission.

Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Address: Lake Wilcox Park, 55 Olde Bayview Avenue, L4E 3C8

Oct 20 Monday - Ink Spots: Making Ink from Compost - Presentation 

Come and join local artist, Greg Chiykowski, (https://artbygreg.weebly.com/)   as he continues his deeper examination into the thrills of making your own inks. This year’s program, “Ink Spots: Making Ink from Compost” builds on the successes of last year’s program “Ink Spots of Richmond Hill: Making Ink from Locally Foraged Materials.” The Ink Spots program includes a public presentation (Monday, October 20,2025), a workshop (Sunday, November 9,2025), and an art show (January 2026, dates to be finalized) featuring various artists using these homemade inks. 

This presentation will focus on making inks from common materials found in your compost. Greg will discuss which compost ingredients are suitable for making your own ink, the ink-making process, and will have samples on hand to highlight the rich vibrant and sometimes surprising colour of homemade inks.

Due to limited seating, the presentation is restricted to the first thirty registrants. 

Pre-register for the presentation by emailing rhgaexec@gmail.com

Cost: Free

Date: Monday, October 20, 2025 – 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm,

Location: Mill Pond Gallery, 314 Mill Street, Richmond Hill

Oct 22 Wednesday : Free Home Air Sealing Workshop

Join us for the free Climate Ready Homes: Home Air Sealing Workshop, where you’ll learn about practical solutions for preventing air leakage and improving comfort in your home. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or DIY enthusiast, this workshop will empower you with practical knowledge and skills.

What you'll learn:

• How air sealing fits into whole-home energy efficiency
• Common sources of air leakage in homes
• The best materials and tools for air sealing
• Easy, affordable fixes you can do yourself

You'll also have a chance to win door prizes and enjoy free snacks!

Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Address: Oak Ridges Library, 34 Regatta Avenue, Richmond Hill

Oct 23 Thursday : Entrepreneurship Finance Conference

Richmond Hill is excited to host the sixth annual Entrepreneurship Finance Conference on Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Presented in partnership with the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), this free half-day virtual event is designed to support entrepreneurs from all backgrounds in navigating the evolving financial landscape with confidence and clarity.

Throughout the day, participants will benefit from:

• Expert-led sessions on intellectual property strategy, non-dilutive financing, and blended funding models
• Insights into community microfinance and inclusive funding opportunities 
• Practical guidance on debt financing and preparing your business for investment
• A compelling panel discussion on what investors are looking for in 2025
• Opportunities to connect with peers, funders, and support organizations during networking breaks and the Virtual Expo
• Real-world inspiration from entrepreneurial success stories

Whether you're just starting out or preparing to scale, this conference offers valuable tools, connections, and knowledge to help you build a strong financial foundation for your business.

Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025 8:30 am - 1:30 pm

Address: Virtual,  View on Google Maps

Oct 25 Saturday - Pressed Flower Creations with Cynthia of Blossom & Press

Discover the timeless art of pressed flowers in this hands-on workshop. No experience is necessary, participants will learn how to use a flower press effectively and transform dried blooms into stunning, frameable works of art. Participants will create a beautiful keepsake that highlights the bright, warm colours of fall.  Register for Pressed Flower Creations with Cynthia of Blossom & Press

https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/richmondhill/activity/search/detail/129117?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true&_ga=2.10365366.2046534091.1758943658-341443219.1738424615

Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Address: Rouge Woods CC, Aspen Room B:

Oct 31 Friday- Halloween Night at the RHDDO

Celebrate Halloween with us with a special Halloween-themed astronomy presentation along with family-oriented Halloween arts and crafts activities. Costumes welcome! Trick-or-treat stations for kids. Viewing through the 74-inch telescope will be provided (weather dependent).

Registration required. https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/richmondhill/activity/search/detail/130449?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true&_ga=2.12004023.2046534091.1758943658-341443219.1738424615

Date: Friday, October 31, 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

Community Services:

Proposed Traffic Calming Measures on Mill Street from Wood Lane/Trench Street to Libby Boulevard/Bridgeport Street

Please be advised that City staff recommend the installation of traffic calming measures on Mill Street from Wood Lane/Trench Street to Libby Boulevard/Bridgeport Street to provide additional traffic safety measures for all Richmond Hill road users.

The recommendations were developed in response to resident concerns, engineering judgement and findings of technical analysis based on the Council-approved, Traffic Safety and Operations Strategy. The proposed traffic calming measures include;

• Installation of 3 specialized median bollards; and
• Two "Max 40 km/h" custom-painted pavement markings.

The traffic calming measures will be installed during the 2025 construction season, weather conditions permitting. The traffic calming measures are illustrated in the figures on the following page.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the proposed measures, please contact our Traffic Safety and Operations group at traffic.inquiries@richmondhill.ca.

City Services: 

City Approves New Micromobility Strategy and Micromobility By-law

Richmond Hill – Richmond Hill Council approved the City’s Micromobility Strategy to regulate the use of micromobility devices, such as e-bikes and e-scooters. The strategy includes the new Active Transportation and Micromobility By-law that will help enhance connectivity and improve active transportation experiences in Richmond Hill.

Richmond Hill’s Micromobility Strategy includes permitting e-scooters on City roads and cycling facilities, such as bicycle lanes, cycle tracks, and multi-use paths, introducing rules and regulations for the use of micromobility devices, promoting compliance through public education and enforcement and exploring shared micromobility opportunities in future.

With the new Micromobility By-law, e-scooters are now allowed on roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less and on cycling facilities, such as bicycle lanes, cycle tracks, and multi-use paths. E-bikes and e-scooters are not allowed on sidewalks, with the exception of cyclists (riding traditional bicycles) under 14 years old.

The City’s Micromobility Strategy regulates the use of micromobility devices while considering road safety, community mobility needs and preferences, accessibility and provincial requirements.

For a detailed list of permitted devices and regulations, visit RichmondHill.ca/Micromobility.

QUICK FACTS

• Micromobility means small, lightweight vehicles people can use to get around, usually electric. In Ontario, the most common types are electric bikes (e-bikes) and stand-up electric scooters (e-scooters).
• Micromobility can help reduce traffic, make it easier to connect to transit, support climate goals, and more.
• In Richmond Hill, mobility device users such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters are treated as pedestrians and allowed on sidewalks

Council adopts the City’s first Comprehensive Zoning By-law

RICHMOND HILL – On September 24, Richmond Hill Council adopted the City’s first Comprehensive Zoning By-law (CZBL), marking a significant milestone towards supporting the growth of our community. This by-law will address the needs of both residents and businesses in the City, making a positive impact on many aspects of residents’ lives, from housing needs to environmental protection.

The CZBL puts Richmond Hill’s Official Plan into action. It implements and regulates how land is used, including where buildings can go, how tall they can be, how much parking is required, and what activities are allowed on each property.

Ontario’s Planning Act requires municipalities to pass a new zoning by-law within three years of an official plan update. Richmond Hill’s Official Plan (OP) Update has been underway for several years, while City staff worked on developing the CZBL, including hosting over 13 in-person and virtual engagement sessions and Council Public Meetings to gather and implement feedback. It consolidates over 40 zoning by-laws that date back to the 1960s and modernizes development standards to keep up with Richmond Hill’s ever-changing growth.

In addition to enhancing the development approval process to expedite construction and build more homes faster, the CZBL will also protect environmentally sensitive lands, attract new businesses and jobs, and serve the needs of our community for many years to come. Learn more about the City’s plans to build a vibrant community that we call home.

QUICK FACTS

• Over 100 residential zones have been simplified into 12 zones across the city.
• The CZBL is designed to be clear, user-friendly, easy for everyone to understand and fully accessible online in an interactive format.
• It modernizes development standards for growth centres, neighbourhoods, green spaces and corridors to better align land use and public transit.
• It advances zoning for the Richmond Hill Centre, in accordance with the Richmond Hill Centre Secondary Plan, to promote growth in the City’s highest intensification area.
• It protects environmental lands, such as the Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt.
• It unlocks Housing Accelerator Fund support, as the passing of the CZBL fulfills three out of the City’s nine commitments to help remove barriers and speed up the process to allow more homes to be built faster.

Public meeting for Pickleball and Tennis Strategy in October

Richmond Hill – The City of Richmond Hill is developing a Tennis and Pickleball Strategy to address the growing demand for these sports in the community and wants you to join the discussion. The Strategy, which is expected to be completed in 2027, will guide the City’s approach to providing equitable access to tennis and pickleball courts.

Public Consultation Sessions – Two dates to choose from!

• Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025,  Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
• Location: Municipal Offices, 225 East Beaver Creek Road

Or

• Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
• Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.  Location: Bond Lake Arena, 70 Old Colony Road

You are invited to join the discussion and share your thoughts. No registration is required.  The 2022 Parks Plan and 2022 Recreation and Culture Plan identified tennis and pickleball play as growing trends in recreation and the need for a strategy to guide how the City provides tennis and pickleball play opportunities. For more information and details about tennis and pickleball play opportunities in Richmond Hill, visit RichmondHill.ca/Tennis or RichmondHill.ca/Pickleball.

Protect Your Home – Order Smoke & CO Alarms Today!

As part of our annual safety initiatives - Test Your Smoke Alarm Day (September 28th), Fire Prevention Week (October 5th–11th), and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week (November 1st–7th) - Richmond Hill Fire & Emergency Services is proud to continue supporting our employees in protecting their homes and families through our popular employee alarm purchase program!

Important Highlights

• New This Year: This year, all purchases will be made exclusively through the City’s secure online portal using a credit card. Payroll deductions will no longer be available. View the order form here.
• Upcoming Fire Code Changes: Starting January 1, 2026, homes in Ontario will be required to have carbon monoxide alarms installed on every level - this campaign is a great chance to prepare early and ensure your home is compliant.
• Order Deadline: Thursday, October 10th, 2025

Need Help Choosing?

Full descriptions of available alarms are listed on the order form. If you’re unsure which type is right for your home, our Fire Prevention team is happy to help - just call us at 905-883-5444. Thank you for helping us make Ontario safer, one home at a time. This is an exclusive offer for City of Richmond Hill employees only - please do not post this information publicly.

Fire prevention week open house  on October 4 

RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services (RHFES) along with Sparky the Fire Dog invite you to a free event kicking off Fire Prevention Week (October 5-11). 

• What:   Open House and Fire Prevention Week Kickoff
• When:  Saturday, October 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Where:  Fire Station 8-1, 191 Major Mackenzie Drive West

Families can enjoy child-friendly games, demonstrations such as auto extrication and a fire truck simulator, plus displays from community partners and more. 

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home” aims to educate everyone about the importance of buying, charging and recycling lithium-ion batteries safely. According to the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are increasing, often due to improper charging, damage or disposal. These fires can be fast and intense, leaving little time to react. 

Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services offers these key battery safety tips and guidelines:

• Only use batteries and chargers that are certified by a recognized testing laboratory

• Always use the cords that came with the product to charge 

• Follow the charging instructions from the manufacturer

• Charge devices on hard, flat surfaces away from flammable materials

• Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged

• Never charge batteries overnight or leave them unattended

• Stop using batteries that show signs of damage, overheating or leaking

• Dispose batteries at proper recycling facilities—never in household trash  

For more information on RHFES Fire Prevention Week activities and the Open House, visit RichmondHill.ca/FirePreventionWeek or follow RHFES on Facebook , X or Instagram.