Welcome

Chapter 1 Incoming Events in May 2025:

May 2-4 - Richmond Hill Potters' Guild Spring Sale

Visit the Richmond Hill Potters' Guild on the weekend of May 2nd to 4th, 2025 and enjoy their spectacular showcase featuring functional handmade pottery and ceramic art. Members will also be on hand to demonstrate work-in-progress, highlighting various skills and techniques, and visitors will get behind-the-scenes access to our studio.

Date: Hours vary on each day:

• May 2 Friday,     12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• May 3 Saturday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• May 4 Sunday,   12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Address:  530 Carrville Rd, Richmond Hill, Ontario.  

May 3 Saturday: Painting Peonies: Acrylic & Mixed Media Still Life with Nancy Falconi

Experience the joy of painting peonies in this fun and engaging acrylic and mixed media workshop. Using a limited palette, you'll explore expressive brushwork and colour to bring a floral composition to life. Come prepared to get messy and leave with a stunning still-life painting and the skills to continue your painting journey!

https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/richmondhill/activity/search/detail/120526?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true&_ga=2.8076785.257912184.1745539267-341443219.1738424615

• Saturday, May 3, 2025 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
• Address: Rouge Woods CC - Aspen Room B

Standing in the Doorway: Lived Histories and Experiences of the Chinese Community

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, May 3, 2025 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
• 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

May 9 Friday - Mother's Day lunch

A wonderful way to celebrate Mother’s Day!  Enjoy a delicious lunch of quiche, party sandwiches, salad, dessert and coffee & tea followed by entertainment.  All ages are welcome.

Cost: $25 per person (pre-registration is required).

https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/richmondhill/activity/search/detail/116927?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true&_ga=2.20485627.257912184.1745539267-341443219.1738424615

• Friday, May 9, 2025 12:00 pm
• Address: McConaghy Seniors' Centre, 10100 Yonge St., Richmond Hill ON L4C 1T8

Doors Open Richmond Hill

Explore Richmond Hill's cultural sites! On Saturday, May 10, Doors Open Richmond Hill will showcase cultural sites in the community, while Studio Tour offers a chance to view the creative spaces of local artists. Join a tour, engage in lively demonstrations and learn about the City’s heritage!

This free event is part of Doors Open Ontario, launched in 2002 by the Ontario Heritage Trust

Saturday, May 10, 2025 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

• Boynton House
• Burr House Spinners and Weavers Guild and the Hill Potters’ Guild
• Circling Hawk Honey and Mead
• Curtain Club Theatre
• Lake St. George Field Centre  |  *PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED*
• Mary-Lou Griffin Local History Room, Richmond Hill Public Library
• Richard Vanderburgh House, Richmond Hill Board of Trade
• Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory  |  *PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED*
• Richmond Hill Heritage Centre
• Richmond Hill Lawn Bowling Club
• Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church
• Richmond Hill Sports Hall of Fame
• St. John the Baptist Community Church, Light on the Hill Church
• St. Mary and St. Joseph Coptic Orthodox Church
• St. Mary’s Anglican Church

https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/learn-more/Doors-Open-Richmond-Hill.aspx#Participating-Sites

May 14 Wednesday 55+ Lunch Program and 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 our 55+ members. Our lunch program will also include entertainment. For the month of May, 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, open to both 55+ members and non-members.

https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/richmondhill/activity/search/detail/116038?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true&_ga=2.7105905.257912184.1745539267-341443219.1738424615

• Wednesday, May 14, 2025 12:30 pm
• Address: McConaghy Seniors' Centre, 10100 Yonge St., Richmond Hill, ON, L4C 1T8

May 24 Saturday :The Art of Paper Quilling – Spring Blooms Card Making with Hyunah Yi

Artist-Instructor Hyunah Yi returns with another beginner friendly introduction to the wonderful world of paper quilling! In this workshop you will learn the foundational techniques of creating intricate designs with coiled paper. From there, you will arrange these coils into delicately designed ‘Spring Blooms’, including a daffodil, English daisy, and a forget-me-not.

• Saturday, May 24, 2025 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
• Address: Rouge Woods CC - Aspen Room B

May 25 Sunday : 2025 Walk for Hill House Hospice presented by Canso Investment Counsel Ltd.

On Sunday May 25, 2025, join us for our annual Walk for Hill House Hospice presented by Canso Investment Counsel Ltd. You’ll enjoy a leisurely 2.8 km stroll through Richmond Hill’s beautiful community of Mill Pond, host to many heritage homes and a unique natural park rich in history dating back prior to 1848 when Mill Pond was initially constructed as a power supply to local mills.

Your participation helps us raise money to support people who are nearing the end of their lives. Not many people know that hospice care is a story of excellence, providing quality end-of-life care and all of this at one third the cost of hospitals. Our mission is to provide at no cost, expert medical care, dignity, kindness and compassion to our residents during their end-of-life journey.

https://hillhousehospice.akaraisin.com/ui/walkforhillhousehospice

• Sunday, May 25, 2025 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
• Address: Hill House Hospice, 36 Wright St., Richmond Hill ON L4C 4A1

May 25 Sunday: 2025 York Region MS Walk

Welcome to the 2025 York Region MS Walk, taking place on Sunday, May 25, 2025 at Richmond Green Park. We are so excited to connect with the MS Community and would like to welcome you to this year’s MS Walk. Here are some important details you will want to know: 

• Where - ​Richmond Green Park, 1300 Elgin Mills Rd E, Richmond Hill
• Event check in time - 10:00 am
• Opening ceremonies - 11:00 am

May 27 Tuesday:  Summer Programs Registration

• Resident Registration Date: Tuesday, May 27
• Non-Resident Registration Date: Tuesday, June 3

RHDDO 90th Birthday Celebrations

Happy Birthday Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory!

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.

Join us for a weekend-long celebration of nine decades of celestial discovery, community engagement and a bright future of astronomical adventure. Come explore the stars with us and see how far we've come!

https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/learn-more/ddo-programs.aspx#RHDDO-90th-Birthday-Celebrations

• Friday, May 30, 2025 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm
• Saturday, May 31, 2025 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
• Sunday, June 1, 2025 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Program:

• RHDDO Astronomy Experience For School Groups
• RHDDO Astronomy Experience
• RHDDO Astronomy – For Youth Services Groups (e.g. Girl Guides, Scouts Canada)
• RHDDO Astronomy – Night with the Stars
• RHDDO Virtual Astronomy - Presentation for Groups
• RHDDO Virtual Astronomy - Ask an Astronomer
• RHDDO Administration Building Historical Tour
• Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory - A History Presentation

Chapter 2 Community, City and Regional Service Changes

Closure of Beech Avenue from Jefferson Sideroad to Harris Avenue between Monday, May 5th, 2025 and Sunday, August 31st, 2025.

The requested closure is necessary as part of development of lands owned by Country Wide Homes (Jefferson) Inc. and Giuseppina Brunetto known as Subdivision files 19T-14008, 19T-14009 & 19T-16002. This closure is necessary to allow the construction of new municipal services and road reconstruction within the Beech Avenue road allowance.

Altamira Road Drainage Improvements- Planned Work and Road Closure

The City has retained Trisan Construction to complete drainage improvements on Altamira Road to address flooding concerns. The scope of work includes new storm sewer pipe, reconstruction of a section of sanitary sewer, re-grading and road restoration. Construction is scheduled to begin April 2025 and be completed Summer 2025. Road closures will be in place on:

• Wood Lane and Altamira Road intersection forStage 1 during May 5 – May 9, 2025 and
• Altamira Road from Wood Lane to west ofLibby Boulevard for Stage 2 during May 12 –July 11, 2025.

Vehicular traffic will be detoured through Rumble Avenue, Mill Street and Libby Boulevard during Stage 1 and through Wood Lane, Rumble Avenue, Mill Street and Libby Boulevard during Stage 2. 

12, 24 and 36 Beech Avenue, 319 Harris Avenue (D02-18014 and D03-18007) - May 7, 2025 COW

Please be advised that the following item has been scheduled at the May 7, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting:

• Jefferson Heights Estates Limited for  12, 24 and 36 Beech Avenue, 319 Harris Avenue,  Lot 51, Part of Lots 54 to 57, Plan 1916, and Lot 1, Plan 65M-2071
• City Files: D02-18014 and D03-18007 (Related Files: D06-20009 and D05-20004)

The purpose of this meeting is to seek Council’s approval for Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft Plan of Subdivision applications to permit a low- and medium-density residential development. The proposed development includes 14 semi-detached dwellings and 37 townhouse dwellings on the subject lands. Please note that the Council Public Meeting for these applications was held on February 20, 2019. At that time, Council received the Staff Report SRPRS.19.027 for information purposes. No public comments or written correspondence were received in relation to the applications. 

Richmond Hill Council has approved the Dave Barrow Civic Square Park Plan

Located in the heart of the city, near the Central Library at the southwest corner of Yonge Street and Major Mackenzie Drive, the Dave Barrow Civic Square Park will bring our community together, providing a space to connect with families and friends and encourage healthy outdoor living. It will foster pride and a sense of belonging by hosting public events, including concerts, performances, festivals, creative pop-ups, community gatherings, and various other recreational activities.

Last fall, hundreds of residents provided feedback on options for the park to help ensure it meets the community’s needs. It will include features such as:

• an amphitheater for performances and events;
• a seasonal skating rink for wintery fun and activities;
• ample green space to enjoy the warm seasons; 
• spacious open grounds for public events, with covered areas, seating, tables, bike parking, washrooms, concessions and other community-bonding offerings;
• an educational garden for outdoor learning; and
• a large Richmond Hill sign to welcome visitors to the park and the city.

The park is named in honour of the city’s beloved Mayor, Dave Barrow, who passed away in 2022. Mayor Barrow was first elected Mayor in 2006 and was re-elected in 2010, 2014 and 2018, leaving an indelible mark on the city and contributing to the growth of Richmond Hill into the thriving and vibrant community it is today.

The detailed design of the new park is scheduled to begin in 2025, with construction expected to commence in 2026. Visit RichmondHill.ca/ParksProjects for more information on Dave Barrow Civic Square Park and other park developments.

Yard Waste Collection:

Yard waste includes leaves, pine cones, fallen fruit, tree/shrub clippings, weeds, flowers, pumpkins, clean straw and dried corn stalks. Soil, sod and grass clippings are NOT ACCEPTED. 

2025 Yard Waste Collection Schedule:

• April 15 to October 10 - Every other week on your garbage collection day*
• October 14 to December 12 - Weekly on your regular waste collection day

*If you live in the "blue zone" collection begins the week of April 15. If you live in the "yellow zone" it begins the week of April 22. Check the Waste Management Calendar to see what zone you're in.

Curbside collection guidelines

• Yard waste must be placed at the curb no later than 7a.m. on the day of collection and no earlier than 6p.m. the night before.
• Yard waste must be set out in a large Kraft paper bag, cardboard box or in a reusable, rigid, open top container, such as a garbage can or bushel basket (max. 125L/33gal). No plastic bags.
• Place a yellow yard waste sticker on open-top reusable containers. Free stickers are available at Access Richmond Hill (225 East Beaver Creek Road) and at the Operations Center (1200 Elgin Mills Road East). 
• Bundle branches, sticks and twigs with twine (maximum length 1.2m/4ft and maximum diameter of 10cm/4in per branch).
• Each container, bag or bundle must not exceed 18 kg/40lbs.
• If yard waste has not been collected, it must be removed from the curb by 9p.m. on the collection day. It is against the City's Waste Bylaw to leave yard waste at the curb days prior to collection.

Drop off your yard waste:

Richmond Hill residents can drop off their yard waste at the Bloomington Yard Waste Depot located at 1351 Bloomington Road, Richmond Hill. Visit york.ca/wastedepots for hours and fees.

https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/living-here/Yard-Waste.aspx

2025 Healthy Yards Plant, Rain Barrel and Composter Guide

Through our Healthy Yards Program, each spring residents can purchase a variety of native trees, shrubs, perennial flowers and eco-friendly products such as rain barrels and backyard composters. 

All the plant species are native to southern Ontario. They are well-adjusted to the local climate and soil, and don't need as much watering or maintenance as other species. They also improve our community's local ecology and biodiversity, providing homes and food for local wildlife.

Visit the Healthy Yards page to learn how you can order.

2025 Healthy Yards Pricing

Please note: There is a limit of 5 trees and/or shrubs, 1 wildflower kit, 2 rain barrels and 1 composter per household.

2025 Volunteer Achievement Awards:

Milestone Anniversary Certificates:

• Jefferson Community Association (10 years)
• Oak Ridges Lions Club (25+ years)
• Richmond Hill Mobility Accessibility Association (25+ years)
• Shai Imami Ismaili Community of Richmond Hill (25+ years)
• The Richmond Hill Social & Bocce Club (25+ years)

Community Service Department Volunteer Achievement Awards

• CSD Youth Volunteer Award – Jaime Alvarez-Rea Sarrate (Ward 6)
• CSD Adult Volunteer Award – Vino Shao (Ward 4)
• CSD Senior Volunteer Award – Norman Maddeaux (Ward 3)

John Weir Memorial Accessibility Award :

• Maayan Ziv

Volunteer Achievement Award

• David Cheung (Ward 6)
• Donna Harrison (Ward 1)
• Iris Murphy (Ward 2)
• Marney Beck-Robinson (Ward 2)
• Alnashir Sumar (Ward 2)
• Yoke Wong (Ward 2)
• Marj Andre (Ward 5)
• Giovanni Battaglini (Ward 5)
• Glemena Bettencourt (Ward 1)
• Marta Ecsedi (Ward 5)
• Andrea Kulesh (Ward 5)
• Wade Ziraldo (Ward 4)

Naim Malik Volunteer Achievement Award for the Promotion of Intercultural Friendships:

• Sarah Loretta Schuster (Ward 1):  (Zhaawashkwaa-Giizhigong-Biish-Kwe / Blue-Sky-Water-Woman)

Youth Volunteer Achievement Award

• Ryan Akhavan (Ward 3)

Senior Volunteer Achievement Award

• Ernest Henderson (Ward 4)

Community Organization of the Year

• ICTC Youth Foundation (Ward 3)

Citizen of the Year Award

• Kidambi Raj (Ward 3)

School Crossing Guard Program - Recruitment Drive and Hiring

PWO manages the School Crossing Guard Program which includes the recruitment of part time crossing guards, training, deployment, and monitoring.  Crossing guard locations are established by Transportation and Traffic who conduct studies to identify locations, traffic volumes and risk levels.

For the current school year, we have averaged 27 to 30 filled positions at any given time out of 49 total locations. In ward 4, we are looking for 8 positions now.  If you have interests please take a look the requirement and apply now. 

https://jobs.richmondhill.ca/job/Richmond-Hill-School-Crossing-Guard-ON-L4B-3P4/536982517/

Ward #      Filled       Vacant

1                    7                2

2                   2                2

3                   3                4

4                   8               8

5                   6               0

6                   3               4

Required Skills/Knowledge:

• Carrying a sign 2 – 5 pounds intermittently, for up to one hour at a time
• Walking and standing throughout entire shift
• Ability to be alert and observant to changing traffic conditions and children
• Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions
• Must provide a medical certificate confirming ability to carry out duties and physical demands (as outlined above)
• Must have good communication skills
• Must be regular and punctual in attendance for children waiting to cross.
• Demonstrates good judgment and makes sound decisions
• Shows commitment to personal growth, development, and leadership opportunities
• Shares new ideas and challenges the status quo
• Takes initiative to participate in a culture of learning, mentoring, and sharing
• Contributes to building and being a part of a positive culture
• Demonstrate the City’s corporate values of service, collaboration, care, and courage
• Requires satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check

Richmond hill rolls out innovative, fire-safe battery recycling containers

Richmond Hill – The City of Richmond Hill is making battery recycling safer than ever thanks to a partnership with Environmental 360 Solutions (E360S), a leader in waste management. Their innovative smart recycling containers with built-in fire suppression system are now available for residents to use at four City facilities.

Batteries contain combustible, flammable materials that are harmful to the environment and may cause fires when damaged or overheated. That’s why proper battery handling and recycling is so important. 

The E360S smart battery recycling container is equipped with sensors that detect when internal temperatures exceed 100 degrees Celsius, activating the fire suppression system to provide immediate cooling and reduce the risk of fire.

The fire-safe containers will replace the regular E360S battery recycling containers at the four City facilities that receive the highest volume of household batteries for recycling – 

• Bayview Hill Community Centre, 
• Elgin West Community Centre,
• Oak Ridges Library and 
• Central Library.

Safe, convenient battery recycling containers are available at 14 City facilities for residents to drop off their used household batteries. Richmond Hill becomes the first municipality in Canada to install E360S’ indoor fire-safe battery recycling containers. This initiative supports the City’s efforts to be an environmentally sustainable community.

For information on how to prepare household batteries for safe recycling and a full list of recycling container locations in Richmond Hill, visit RichmondHill.ca/Waste. 

Quick Facts

• In 2024, residents recycled 4,793lbs of batteries in City battery recycling containers

• In 2024, Central Library received the highest volume of batteries (808lbs)

York Region Transit (YRT) service changes will take effect on Sunday, April 27, 2025. 

Schedule and route adjustments will be made to various routes to match customer demand, including:  

• Routes servicing the Major Mackenzie West Terminal will be restructured to exit the terminal via Amusement Drive; schedules will be updated to reflect the changes 
• Routes 320 – Jane Express and 360 – Vaughan Mills/Wonderland schedules will be adjusted to match Vaughan Mills Mall and Canada’s Wonderland business hours 
• Route 40 – Unionville will be renamed Route 40 – Unionville Local 
• Routes 25 – Major Mackenzie, 50 – Queensway, 54 – Bayview, 55 – Davis and 96 – Keele-Yonge schedules have been adjusted to improve connections with GO trains 
• Frequency and schedule adjustments on several routes 
• For more information visit yrt.ca/ServiceChanges

Travellers will be informed of all service changes through notices posted at bus stops (attached), on-bus, terminal and vivastation announcements, media advisory, the YRT Contact Centre, on yrt.ca and social media.  

Public consultation for the 2026 Annual Transit Plan (formerly known as Transit Initiatives) begins Sunday, May 4, 2025. 

From May 4 to June 1, 2025, YRT will be hosting a virtual public consultation on yrt.ca/TransitPlan (information will be available on Tuesday, April 15, 2025), seeking input from travellers on the draft 2026 Annual Transit Plan. The public consultation will be promoted on yrt.ca, social media, mailouts and through digital advertisements. Notices will also be posted at transit terminals, and announcements will be made throughout the YRT system. In-person outreach at select terminals and venues in each municipality will also occur throughout the month. Locations and times will be made available at yrt.ca/TransitPlan. 

This information is being provided to you in advance of notification to the general public.