Welcome

Chapter 1 Incoming Events in June 2025:

June 1 Sunday: Tour the RHDDO - Spring Start

Beginning May 31, enjoy free self-guided tours of the Administration Building and Observatory Dome. Drop by Richmond Hill's very own national historic site to visit the Administration Building and the Observatory Dome that houses Canada's largest telescope. While there, visit our gift shop and purchase a souvenir of your visit.

Saturday and Sundays: 1- 5 p.m., May 31 - June 29

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

June 1 Sunday: RHDDO 90th Birthday Celebrations

Celebrating 90 years of discovery and exploration, the RHDDO has inspired generations with its breathtaking views of the cosmos. As a national attraction and treasured educational facility, the RHDDO has brought the wonders of the universe closer to countless visitors, sparking imaginations and igniting a passion for astronomy.

Sunday, June 1, 2025 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm

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

Stargazing Party

Observe the night sky at David Dunlap Observatory Park! Join us at sunset to learn how to use star charts and basic observing techniques, then use your binoculars to follow a guided tour through the night sky.

Stargazing parties will take place on the first clear evening on the following weeks:

• June 2 - 5
• July 7 - 10
• August 4 - 7

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

June 6 Friday: 55+ Barbecue

Enjoy an afternoon of fun and entertainment at Mill Pond Park for a free barbecue as part of June is Seniors Month.  No registration required, all Adults 55+ are welcome!  Barbecue begins at 11:30am, first come first served while supply lasts.

Friday, June 6, 2025 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Address: Mill Pond Park

Standing in the Doorway - Exhibit

Home. Place. Belonging. Throughout Canadian history, people of Chinese descent have contributed to the development of our nation. They resisted and persevered, overcoming stereotypes, labels, and racist policies. They created homes and built places and spaces to foster connection and community.

Now, we commemorate and remember the contributions of Chinese Canadians over the past 100 years since the Chinese Exclusion Act. Explore, learn, and listen to the stories, traditions and knowledge of the diverse Chinese Canadian community from York Region.

• Saturday, June 7, 2025 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
• Saturday, July 5, 2025 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
• Saturday, August 2, 2025 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

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

June 7 Saturday: A Creative Introduction to Printmaking with Katie Argyle

Explore the artistic practice of block printing in this unique workshop! Printmaking is an artistic process involving the transfer of an image from a prepared surface, such as a carved block or an etched plate onto paper or fabric. You will learn to create print blocks and transfer your designs in both black ink and lively coloured reductions

Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Address: Rouge Woods CC - Aspen Room B

June 8 Sunday:  Walk and Learn Tours - Richmond Hill’s Rose Industry

Walk through an area of the City’s early economic and demographic growth as you discover why Richmond Hill was once called the “Rose Capital of Canada." 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.

Date: Sunday, June 8, 2025 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

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

June 8 Sunday: 55+ Spring Choir Concert

Enjoy an afternoon of entertainment by the McConaghy Centre Choir conducted by Jessica V. Kun. This concert is open to everyone of all ages.  Light refreshments will be served.  Register for tickets in advance for $5 or at the door for $6.

https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/richmondhill/activity/search/detail/117161?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true&_ga=2.227257053.132940899.1748216985-341443219.1738424615

Date: Sunday, June 8, 2025 2:00 pm

Address: McConaghy Senior's Centre, 10100 Yonge St., Richmond Hill, ON, L4C 1T8

June 10 Tuesday: 55+ Out Trip: High Tea at the Old Mill

Leave the McConaghy Centre at 9:30 am and travel by deluxe coach to visit the St. Lawrence Market, then enjoy a one hour fully narrated Toronto Harbour Cruise. Have high tea at the Old Mill in Toronto which offers a charming and elegant experience steeped in tradition. Set in a historic Tudor-style building, guests enjoy a delightful selection of freshly brewed teas, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, and an assortment of decadent pastries. The cozy ambiance, enhanced by the Old Mill’s timeless decor, makes it a perfect setting for special occasions or a relaxing afternoon indulgence. Return to McConaghy Centre by 5:30pm. Tickets available on a first come, first serve basis.  Open to all 55+ adults.  For more information visit the webpage.

Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

Address: Old Mill Toronto, 21 Old Mill Rd., Etobicoke, ON, M8X 1G5

June 14 Saturday: Botanical Drawing with Watercolours and Gold Accents with Fernanda Saraga

Another offering by popular demand! Discover the beauty of ginkgo leaves through botanical art, a captivating blend of science and creativity. You'll learn to draw a single, graceful ginkgo leaf, then expand your design with layered leaves, blue watercolour hues, and shimmering gold accents. No experience is required – just bring curiosity and creativity!

https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/richmondhill/activity/search/detail/123149?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true&_ga=2.33247230.132940899.1748216985-341443219.1738424615

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025 10:00 am - 1:30 pm

Address: Rouge Woods CC - Aspen Room B

June 14 Saturday: Afternoon Tea

Enjoy popular afternoon teas at the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre surrounded by history in our Gardenview Room and galleries. At each tea, 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. Choose from our exclusive tea blends.

Reservations are required. Select from a 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. seating.

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

Saturday, June 14, 2025 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

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

June 18 Wednesday: 55+ Ice Cream Social

Savour a free ice cream cone and celebrate the arrival of summer while being entertained! You must register for this free event by June 11. Spots available on a first come first serve basis to all 55+ adults in Richmond Hill.  A parking pass is required at this location.

https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/richmondhill/activity/search/detail/116049?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true&_ga=2.262742860.132940899.1748216985-341443219.1738424615

Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 1:00 pm

Address: Oak Ridges Community Centre, 12895 Bayview Ave., Richmond Hill, ON, L4E 3G2

June 20 Friday: Luminis Vocal Arts Festival – Gala Concert

When: Friday, June 20, 2025, at 7:30 PM

Where: Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts

Address: 10268 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON

June 21 Saturday: Springtime Paint-Along & Tea with Sierra of Young at Heart Painting

If you've never picked up a paintbrush before, this acrylic workshop is for you! Our skilled Artist-Instructor will direct you in painting a vibrant Spring masterpiece, culminating in a light Afternoon Tea. The delightful backdrop of the City’s Heritage Centre, and the Gardenview Room’s historic charm are sure to enhance your creative journey!

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Address: Richmond Hill Heritage Centre

June 22 Sunday: Stewardship Event: Tree Maintenance and Invasive Species Removal - Lake Wilcox Park

Get your hands dirty and give back to Richmond Hill’s urban forest this summer! Join LEAF as we steward our naturalization site in Lake Wilcox Park. During this two-part stewardship event, we will first remove invasive species and follow-up by mulching native trees and shrubs. Register for one session or both!

• Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
• Invasive species removal will take place from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Mulching will take place from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Please note: Families with young children are encouraged to join the afternoon mulching session, as the morning invasive species removal session will be somewhat labour intensive.

Please wear:

• Closed-toe shoes or boots – no sandals, please!
• Long pants and sleeves are recommended
• Gardening gloves, if you have them (we will have extras)
• Appropriate clothing – the event runs rain or shine

Please bring multiple filled water bottles (there will be no water refill station on site).

This event will involve walking on unpaved paths and uneven grassy surfaces and tall plant growth. For accessibility questions, please contact sarah@yourleaf.org.

Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Address: Lake Wilcox Park (Behind the Oak Ridges Community Centre)

June 28 Saturday: YRP Community Appreciation Day

On June 28th YRP in Partnership with Loblaws is hosting a Community Appreciation Day. The Goal of the event is to display vehicles from all public works sectors (Police, Fire, EMS, YRT, YRT Enforcement and Many Others) We are going to stage all of the vehicles in a large Loblaws parking lot and there will be a BBQ / DJ We want to give the community an opportunity to get upfront and close to all Public Works vehicles, and at the same time we are collecting funds and donations for the Richmond Hill Food Bank. 

Date and time: June 28, 10 am - 3pm 

location: 301 Hightech Road, Richmond Hill Loblaws 

Chapter 2 Community, City and Regional Service Changes

Ward 4 Garage Sale Days

We’re excited to invite you to our annual Garage Sale Days, co-hosted with the Jefferson Community Association (NPO). This summer, let’s come together once again to share, shop, and connect as a community!

Event Dates:

• Primary Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
• Rain Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025 (if weather on June 14 is not  suitable for outdoor sales )

Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: Your own front parking lot

How to Participate:

• Please register your sale on our platform – we’ll include it in our event flyer and distribute it to the neighborhood for better visibility. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEhQAvPvBPz3Flja5p0PfbZzpzgqSZ417sSKUxI3dhJgPQ1Q/viewform
• Set up your garage sale at home during the event hours.

Let’s grow this tradition together! Every year, we aim to make this event bigger and better, strengthening community ties and showcasing the spirit of our community.

City Services:

Bylaw for grass and weed:

On March 25, 2019 Council adopted the Grass and Weeds By-law No. 31-19.  By-law 31-19 repealed the former Long Grass and Weeds By-law 217-96, and includes the following regulations.

• Grass and weeds cannot exceed a length of 20cm year round;
• Residents are responsible for maintaining boulevards next to their property;
• Richmond Hill will maintain boulevards at the rear of properties, and boulevards at the side of properties next to four (4) lane collector highways.
• Gardens containing wildflowers are exempt provided they are in an area which is clearly defined from the lawn;
• Environmentally sensitive or protected lands such as floodplains and meadows are exempt;
• Property owners are not required to mow grass in boulevard ditches.

The Grass and Weeds By-law allows Richmond Hill staff and contractors to access private property to remove grass and weeds which do not comply with the By-law. The cost for any removal can be charge back to the property.

Weed Control Act

Richmond Hill utilizes Ontario's Weed Control Act which prohibits noxious weed growth on agricultural lands and areas close to agricultural lands.

Noxious weeds are plants defined by the government as harmful to surrounding wildlife, agriculture and the public's health such as ragweed (hay fever), thistles, and poison ivy. According to provincial law, all noxious weeds must be removed from private properties by residents. The Weed control act does not identify dandelions, or goldenrod as noxious weeds.

New By-law Supports the Health and Safety of Animals and the Community

RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill is home to people, pets and wildlife – and we’re taking steps to protect them all. Following a comprehensive review of existing regulations, the City has introduced a new Responsible Pet Ownership and Animal Regulation By-law that modernizes our approach to animal care standards, sets clear expectations for pet owners and helps address common concerns in our community.

Key Highlights:

• Pet Licensing: As of June 1, 2025, all cats must be licensed and wear a visible tag – just like dogs. Licensing helps reunite lost pets and supports efforts to manage the stray cat population.
• Pet Limits: To help support healthy and manageable pet ownership, households can now have up to three dogs, four cats and no more than seven pets in total. If you had more pets under the old rules, you can keep them – as long as they were owned before March 26, 2025 and are licensed this year.
• Leash Rules: For everyone’s safety, dogs must be leashed and under control when outside your home, fenced yard or designated off-leash park.
• Clean Up After Your Pet: Whether you're on a trail, in a park or walking down your street, always pick up after your pet. It’s a simple way to show respect for your neighbours and it keeps our community clean.
• Positive Pets List: Thinking of adding a new pet to your family? Make sure your new companion is a great fit for your home and follows the City's approved pet list. 

To read more about animal-related guidelines in Richmond Hill or purchase a pet licence, visit RichmondHill.ca/AnimalServices. 

Have an Animal-Related Concern?

Contact Vaughan Animal Services, our animal services provider, to report stray pets, lost/found animals or injured animals, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at 905-832-2281 or by email at animal.services@vaughan.ca.

Let’s work together to keep Richmond Hill a safe, clean and caring place for pets and people alike.

2026 City of Richmond Hill Budget Public Survey 

Financial Services and Communications Services launched a public survey that invites residents to provide their feedback for the upcoming 2026 Budget. The survey is now live and runs until June 15.

Have your say! Help Richmond Hill deliver a budget that will best support your priorities and our community’s future. There are 8 questions and it may take you less than 5 minutes to get it done. 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LQW7H52

Rothbury east pond  stormwater management rehabilitation

Aquafor Beech has been retained by the City of Richmond Hill to undertake the rehabilitation of Rothbury East Stormwater Management Facility (16-14) located east of Rothbury Road between Tentone Court and Brookside Road. The study area is shown in the map on the reverse.

The Stormwater Management Rehabilitation is being undertaken as the facility’s outlet is not functioning properly. Fieldwork is required to gather information about the storm pond’s current conditions so a solution to the problem can be developed. The Rehabilitation will require the following field investigations:

• Utility Locates
• Site Surveys (topographic, archaeological and environmental)
• Geotechnical Investigations, including borehole drilling and backfilling

It is anticipated that the field investigations will begin May 9, 2025 and are expected to continue through the end of August.

Should you have any concerns or should you require any additional information, please contact the Project Lead, Kate Northcott, Project Manager, Infrastructure Planning, by telephone at (905) 771-2507 or by email at kate.northcott@richmondhill.ca.

Upcoming OP Update Engagement Events

Policy staff will be hosting two public engagement sessions in coming weeks regarding Protect Major Transit Station Areas (PMTSAs) and the Regional Mixed-Use Corridors. The content of these two sessions is identical: what PMTSAs are and what the plan is for the Regional Mixed-Use Corridors along Yonge Street and Highway 7. We would also like to seek input on what are residents’ priorities as the city intensifies in these areas.

We would appreciate your help in promoting these events. Please feel free to share the information below with your constituents. Also, attached are promotional images (jpg files) for these engagement sessions, which you may wish to promote through your social media accounts.

In-person Public Information Centre:  

Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025,   Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Location: McConaghy Centre, 10100 Yonge Street,  Format: Presentation by City staff, followed by group discussions

Virtual Webinar (Zoom):  Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025,  Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m. 

For more information or to register for these events, please visit Richmondhill.ca/OPUpdate.

Platinum Hermes Award Announcement

The City of Richmond Hill has recently been honoured with a Platinum Hermes Award at its 2025 International Competition for creative excellence in producing the Strategic Plan Annual Report.

Hermes is a competition administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals and gives awards for the industry’s best publications and marketing collateral. This year there were more than 6,000 entries from across the United States, Canada and 30 other countries. The panel of industry professionals that determine the award recipients seek out organizations and individuals whose talent not only meet, but surpass a high standard of excellence, and I am proud that Richmond Hill is the recipient of this award because it really is a testament to the hard work, creativity and dedication of our organization.

The Strategic Plan is a cornerstone of our City's vision for the future, and receiving this award helps give the plan the important profile it deserves. This is a great example of how our Communications Services Division and Strategy and Government Relations team were able to successfully collaborate to make our City’s goals accessible and engaging for all. Their combined efforts have not only produced a remarkable report but set a high standard for excellence in our community.

Congratulations and a heartfelt thank you to the Communications Services and Strategy and Government Relations team for their outstanding work!

2025 Clean Up Green Up Weeks Participants
This year we had about 11,000 volunteers come together to help clean up 110 streets/pathways, and more than 85 parks and open spaces. We greatly appreciate your participation and support of our program! Please find attached a certificate of appreciation from Mayor David West.   Also, a special thank you to our sponsor Alectra! https://alectrautilities.com/

We would also appreciate any feedback on how we can improve the event for next year. Please email us with any comments or suggestions you may have.  Thank you for helping to make our community greener, and we hope you will participate again next year!

Waste Management Team
Community Services - Public Works Operations
City of Richmond Hill
wastemgmt@richmondhill.ca

Richmond Hill Continues To Maintain $13 Billion In Assets

Richmond Hill – Richmond Hill’s assets – roads, buildings, sewers and more – are in good condition and will stay that way with the right investment. The 2025 Asset Management Plan which was approved by Council on May 28, will inform how the City will continue to maintain its assets to provide municipal services in a safe, reliable and cost-effective manner.

The 2025 Asset Management Plan provides an assessment of the City’s infrastructure assets which are valued at $13 billion. It also guides the efficient and cost-effective maintenance of City infrastructure, such as roadways, sidewalks, bridges, recreational facilities, watermain pipes, stormwater management ponds, and sanitary and storm sewers, among others. 

Currently, more than 85% of the City’s assets are in good or very good condition, putting Richmond Hill in a good position for the future. Richmond Hill’s goal is to maintain its assets by investing in them at the right time – making sure that they remain in service for as long as possible in the most cost-effective way – supported by the analysis in the 2025 Asset Management Plan.

While the outlook is currently positive due to the City’s proactive asset management planning, ongoing investment is needed. The City will continue to identify, quantify and address long-term financial pressures and risks associated with uncertainties that include climate change and economic factors. 

The 2025 Asset Management Plan supports Richmond Hill’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan: Make capital investments within the context of financial sustainability and based on best practices in asset management planning.

Learn more about City-owned assets and how the City plans to manage them in the future, by visiting RichmondHill.ca/AssetManagement.

Regional Service: 

York Region's Automated Speed Enforcement Campaign

This year, York Region will be installing 20 new ASE cameras in fixed locations across all nine local cities and towns, with three mobile cameras continuing to rotate every three months in select community safety zones.

Throughout May and June, York Region will be educating the public about the program through digital advertisements, social media and signage on Regional roads. Promotion of the program will continue in September to support back-to-school safety messaging and will continue until the end of the year. 

Residents and motorists can pay penalties, find out more information on camera locations and the ASE program by visiting york.ca/TrafficCameraEnforcement

If you have any questions about this program, please contact:

• Nelson Costa, Manager, Traffic Safety and Signal Operations, at 905-955-1470 or nelson.costa@york.ca    

For after-hours emergencies, please contact York Region’s Roads and Traffic Operations Centre at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75200. 

For general inquiries, please contact Transportation Operations at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75000 or via email at transportation@york.ca

Notice of new restrictions, Major Mackenzie Drive East and Church Street South

To improve safety and support York Region’s Vision Zero Traveller Safety Plan, York Region is implementing no straight or left turn restrictions for northbound and southbound traffic at the intersection of Major Mackenzie Drive East and Church Street South.

Restrictions will also help improve traffic flow at this intersection. For more information on York Region’s Vision Zero Traveller Safety Plan visit,

york.ca/TravellerSafety

A new traffic light at Bathurst Street and Canyon Hill Avenue

Thank you for our residents living in Westbrook community close to  Bathurst  for your years' persistence and hard work to reflect the traffic issues on Bathurst near  Elgin West CC and St Theresa High School, wit the support of YRT, a new traffic light will be installed at Bathurst and Canyon Hill. Hope this new traffic light will calm the traffic speed and reduce the increased traffic safety concern for our ward 4 residents.

Transportation improvements prepare York Region to meet the needs of motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and transit users today and into the future.

• York Region is installing new traffic signals at the intersection of Bathurst Street and Canyon Hill Avenue
• Traffic signals will help manage increasing traffic

Date: From June to September 2025

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. Thank you for your patience during the construction period. We understand construction creates challenges for the

community and 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: 25-203” in your inquiry.

• Visit york.ca/RoadConstruction to view current road construction projects
• Follow @YorkRegionGovt on Facebook and X using #onYRRoads

Road maintenance Stouffville Road from Bayview Avenue to Leslie Street

A road preservation treatment, called microsurfacing, will be applied to Stouffville Road: 

• Microsurfacing is a common and cost-effective way to maintain roads with minor defects and extend the road’s life
• Road surfaces can feel rougher and sound noisier after treatment, but over time, stones will settle and surfaces will become quieter

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

• Late spring 2025 to early fall 2025
• Monday to Friday evenings from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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: 25-180C” in your inquiry.

STAY INFORMED WITH THE LATEST UPDATES

• Visit york.ca/RoadConstruction to view current road construction projects
• Follow @YorkRegionGovt on Facebook and X using #onYRRoads

Provincial level:

Every Second Counts Campaign to Reduce 911 Misuse

The "When Every Second Counts" awareness campaign is a province-wide initiative in Ontario, launched by the Emergency Services Steering Committee (ESSC), to reduce 911 misuse and educate the public on proper 911 usage. The campaign aims to ensure that 911 lines are available for life-threatening emergencies only.

Emergency (Call 9-1-1)

• Life-threatening medical emergencies
• Crimes in progress
• Fire emergencies
• Serious accidents with injuries
• Immediate danger to person or property

Non-Emergency Situations

• Minor traffic accidents without injuries
• Noise complaints
• Bylaw violations
• Non-urgent medical concerns
• General police inquiries

Need a non-emergency contact?

https://www.wheneverysecondcounts.ca/solutions-1?rc=test-site