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David West
Richmond Hill Ward 4 Councillor
Monthly Newsletter
June 2016
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Richmond Hill -A Vibrant and Active Community
To borrow a line from Stuart Mclean of The Vinyl Cafe, at this time of year 'the summer is laid out before us like a white line down the middle of a Prairie Highway'.
There will be a lot going on for residents to enjoy in Richmond Hill this summer. To begin the summer with a bang, be sure to attend our award winning Canada Day celebrations (for details see below). We also have our ever popular Jazz in the Plaza and Concerts in the Park beginning soon (details below), a range of recreation programs for people of all ages, and lots of great outdoor parks and trails waiting for you to enjoy. I would add that my annual Ward 4 BBQ will take place on August 23rd this year. (more details to follow in the next two editions of this e newsletter). I hope that you and your family can take advantage of some of these great activities.
Thanks for taking the time to read this newsletter. I always appreciate hearing from you regarding any issue in the town. It is through this collaboration that we all make our community the vibrant and active place that it is! Please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or email at any time.
My email address is
david.west@richmondhill.ca
, my cell number is 416-346-3090 and my office number is 905-771-2480.
David West
Ward 4 Councillor Richmond Hill
Banner Photo - our Richmond Hill Municipal Office
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Council News and Highlights
1. Ed Sackfield Arena Expansion Project Moves Forward
Council approved the schematic design for the Ed Sackfield Arena expansion. The planned expansion complements and enhances the existing facility with the addition of a much needed NHL-size arena with viewing area and capacity for 350 people. The expansion will also increase the accessibility of Ed Sackfield Arena with a covered walkway at the entrance, six barrier-free player change rooms and two for referees/coaches and accessible washrooms. Richmond Hill's growing demand for arena space will be eased with the additional ice pad, which is supported by Richmond Hill's 2013 Recreation Plan. All residents will be able to enjoy the facility, even those who do not play hockey or ice skate as the new facility will also include a 180-metre indoor walking track and community programming and meeting room space. The construction of the arena will be completed in 2018. The estimated project cost is $20,651,400 and the project architects will now proceed to the detailed design phase. Schematic drawings of the expansion project can be seen
here.
2. Revitalizing David Hamilton Park
Council approved a Master Plan for the revitalization of David Hamilton Park. The 10.4ha community park located at Valleymede and Highway 7 is named after a former Commissioner of Parks and Recreation. It was originally constructed in 1987 and many of the facilities within the park are at the end of their lifespan. The Master Plan was developed with community input. Highlights of the Master Plan include the addition of a multi-use court, outdoor fitness equipment and a splash pad, replacement of the existing playgrounds and improvements to lighting, pathways and landscaping. Work on detailed design is underway and construction is expected to begin in 2017. Richmond Hill is home to more than 166 parks and 544 hectares of natural, environmental area. Throughout our parks system you can find athletic fields, nature trails, walkways, playgrounds, picnic areas, tennis courts, open space, etc. Details of this plan can be found
here.
3. Bike to Work Day in Richmond Hill
The Town of Richmond Hill has partnered with Smart Commute Markham Richmond Hill to encourage those who live and work in Richmond Hill to carpool, use transit, cycle or walk to work. Compared to car use, these modes improve traffic congestion, save you money and can improve personal health. In recognition of Bike to Work Day, Smart Commute Markham Richmond Hill hosted a 7.5 kilometre ride in the East and West Beaver Creek Corridor. The route will include the Highway 7 bike lanes and an off-road section through David Hamilton Park. For more information visit
www.smartcommutemrh.ca
Recently at the Richmond Hill Town Offices we raised the flag with members of council, staff, and a few members of the public to mark Yom Ha'atzmaut the National Day of Israel. On this day in 1948 Israel was formed. Happy 68th Birthday!
5. OMB Reform Summit
In May we completed our OMB reform Summit in Markham. There were great conversations with delegates from across the province. We heard many different perspectives related to how the OMB impacts communities big or small, but the call for significant OMB reform was heard loud and clear. Building strong and unique communities with respect for local planning decisions is the goal of this reform. Stay tuned for further action from our group. For a good report on the Summit visit the following link
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6. His Excellency Governor General David & Mrs. Johnson visit Richmond Hill
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| Mrs. Johnson answer questions at our Central Library |
On May 18th at our Richmond Hill Central Library we had the honour to welcome Governor General David Johnson and his wife Mrs. Sharon Johnson to our town. The purpose of the visit was to listen to a book talk about Mrs. Johnson's book, Matron's and Madames. It was a fascinating discussion about a mostly true story. Governor General David Johnson was also on hand to answer questions from the audience as well. Thanks to our excellent Library staff for arranging this great opportunity!
7. Richmond Hill Receives Award of Excellence for Rougecrest Park
Richmond Hill Council accepted an Award of Excellence from Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) acknowledging the effort of Richmond Hill staff and the consultant project team for the "unique, sustainable and innovative design" of Rouge Crest Park. The Park, located in Yonge Street and Gamble Road area, was designed to blend into the neighbourhood seamlessly with transitions to the surrounding forests and open spaces. The design team used the beautiful and intricate patterns within nature to inspire the design and are interwoven into surface treatments, vertical structures, play areas, and site
furniture. Some of the patterns that have been incorporated into features within the Park include birch bark, grass blades, snowflakes, starbursts, snail shells and pebbles. Rouge Crest Park supports both structured and unstructured creative and imaginative play for all ages. Play features and facilities include a senior lit soccer field, multi-sport court, customized linear play structure, junior play structure, water play area and ping pong tables. Environmental stewardship is demonstrated through sustainable initiatives integrated throughout the park, including permeable surfaces and features in the parking lot which will reduce surface runoff by reducing flows and improving quality. Water from the water play feature will be captured, filtered and reused. The park's carbon footprint is further reduced by native plantings, a rain garden, and the use of recycled rubber tiles in the swing court and play areas. PRO awards recognize the outstanding achievements and extraordinary commitments of park and recreation professionals and organizations in providing services and programs. This is Richmond Hill's seventh project to be selected to receive a PRO Award of Excellence in the last eight years.
8. Richmond Hill Council Supports Amendment to Provincial Autism IBI Therapy Policy
Council voted unanimously in favour of sending a letter to members of the Ontario Provincial Parliament to demonstrate their support of amending the provincial policy on Autism IBI Therapy. Autism Spectrum Disorder is now recognized as the most common neurological disorder affecting one in every 68 children. The current waiting list of children for Intensive Behaviour Intervention (IBI) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is more than 16,000. Earlier this year, the Province of Ontario announced its intentions to discontinue IBI services to children older than four and to provide a one-time payment to assist with services. Through their correspondence, Council requests the Province amend its policy to allow all children on the current waiting list to receive the IBI services promised to them; to remove the age limit on IBI therapy and replace it with a program that provides ongoing services based on individual need; to ensure oversight by professionals and parents based on development progress criteria and milestones; and to adopt a Direct Funding Offering model in lieu of the current Direct Service Offering model.
9. Grade Seperations (Bridges) over CN Rail tracks in Richmond Hill
During a recent meeting, Council considered a report related to building bridges over CN rail tracks in a number of locations in town. In particular, the issue of prioritizing the building of these bridges was discussed. In the past I have received a number of concerns from residents about the need for a bridge over the CN tracks at Elgin Mills. The conclusion of the study is copied below.
"Currently two railway crossings in Richmond Hill are potential candidates for grade separation and future commuter rail expansion will put pressure on the remaining crossings. The Railway Crossings Grade Separation Prioritization Study provides information on the strategic direction for the Town's at-grade railway crossings and positions the Town to advocate for external funding for priority projects in Richmond Hill".
To view the entire report please click
here
10. Civic Precinct Project Update
On May 11th, at a Special
Council
Meeting, Council was presented with a report relating to alternative procurement and financing options for the Civic Precinct Project to be built at the corner of Major Mackenzie and Yonge St. beside the existing Central
Library. This is an important project that has been contemplated for decades by a number of previous Richmond Hill Councils. Over the past three years Council has refined the vision of what might be built, including the Municipal offices, and a significant public space and park area. The concept would represent the largest municipal project that Richmond Hill has ever undertaken, and as such, it is important for council and the public to discuss the project in detail, and from many different perspectives before any firm commitments are made to begin the project. For complete details of the report please click here
11. Housing Values in Richmond Hill
Council recently heard a presentation from The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) related to the upcoming scheduled reassessment of property values in Richmond Hill and the rest of Ontario. The last assessment carried out by MPAC was 2012, and 2016 is the next scheduled time for a reassessment. According to the MPAC presentation, updated MPAC notices will be sent out Richmond Hill residents this week. Property values in Richmond Hill have gone up significantly since 2012 - more so than the overall provincial average. For an excellent synopsis of this presentation please visit the following link to a report in the Richmond Hill Liberal newspaper.
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Ward 4 Development Applications - Update
There are a number of development applications active in Ward 4 that continue to receive significant interest from residents. This section in the newsletter is intended to keep everyone informed and updated about the status of these applications. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all active in Ward 4 development applications but a brief synopsis of select applications. Please feel free to contact me at (david.west@richmondhill.ca) if you have questions about an application that is not included here.
1. 71 Regent St. - There has been no new news to report related to this application since the last report. An application was submitted to Richmond Hill planning staff in the summer of 2015 for approval of a proposed development of 28 townhouses at 71 Regent St. I hosted a well attended Residents' Meeting in the fall of 2015 for this application. The applicant is currently working toward an application that can be brought to council for a Council Public Meeting. Stay tuned to the Liberal Newspaper (Richmond Hill pages) and this e newsletter for the date of this meeting.
2. 44, 48,54 and 60 Arnold Cres. - An application for 37 townhouses and 4 single detached homes was submitted to Richmond Hill planning staff in the summer of 2015. I hosted a well attended Residents' Meeting in the fall 2015 for this application. The applicant had a Council Public Meeting in the fall of 2015 where comments from the public and Council members were heard. In the winter of 2015 the applicant elected to appeal this application to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). The OMB held a pre hearing meeting for this application on June 1st. The main hearing on this file will be scheduled for March of 2017.
3. Canyon Hill and Yonge St (10922, 10944 and 10956 Yonge St) - An application for 160 townhouses was submitted to staff this spring. Letters to area residents were sent out to inform them of this application. To view this letter click
here
. A site plan application will be scheduled for a future committee of the whole meeting for consideration by Council.
4. 107 Hall St - An application for 22 townhouses and the preservation and restoration of the historic Langstaff house was submitted to our planning staff in the summer of 2015. A Residents' Meeting and a Council Public Meeting were held in the fall of 2015. Unfortunately the applicant has appealed this application to the Ontario Municipal Board. I am very disappointed in hearing of this news. I will report the dates of any hearings scheduled by the OMB in this e newsletter at such time as this information is released.
5. 129, 133, 141 Arnold Cres and 230 Major Mackenzie Dr. W. -
This site has recently been sold to The Acorn Development Corporation. At this time, I understand the developer is working to complete an application for
redevelopment of this site which they will eventually
submit to our Richmond Hill Planning staff. In the interim, Acorn has applied for, and been granted, permits to demolish the four existing structures on the site. This work will likely happen sometime in June. To be clear, the demolition approvals in no way signify any permissions to develop the property. The applicant will need to go through the regular planning process prior to obtaining any approvals to building anything new on the site. It is my intention to host a meeting for the neighbourhood residents as soon as any plans by the developer have been solidified. This meeting will serve to make the community aware of the details of this application. Presently, at this very early point in the process, there is no timeline set for such a meeting but I will ensure that the community is informed in a timely manner when a clearer picture becomes available.
6. Condo Proposal South West corner of Gamble and Yonge. -
In 2014 there was an application for an 8 and 5 storey condo on the South West Corner of Gamble Rd and Yonge St. The applicant had a Council Public Meeting some time ago but this application has not been presented to Council as of yet. There were a number of issues that were identified during this process, including issues of proximity to a flood plain.
7. 47 and 59 Brookside Road and 12 and 24 Naughton Drive
Below is a notice regarding an
application
that was recently submitted to our Richmond Hill Planning Staff related to a proposed development at Brookside and Yonge St. This application includes 188 townhouses, 4 condo towers and a public park. I will be inviting the public to a
Resident's Meeting on Wednesday, August 10th from 7-9 pm at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, 10268 Yonge Street, to learn more about the details of the application and hear public input related to the proposal. If you require any more specific information in advance of this meeting, our Richmond Hill staff planner on this file is Phoebe Chow and her contact information is contained in the
notice
below. As always, I would also welcome your questions, comments or feedback on this matter.
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Bradstock Revitalization Community Meeting and call for Feedback
July 6, 2016
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The existing Playground in Bradstock Park
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Town staff want your comments regarding the plans to revitalize Bradstock Park. A public information session will be held on July 6, 2016 at the Elgin West Community Centre, 10099 Bathurst Street, 6:00-7:30pm when the plans will be available for review. Contained in the proposal are plans to relocate some on-site parking, upgrade the playground and baseball fields, add a shelter, fitness equipment, paths and plantings. Come on out and see the proposed redesign which is in keeping with Council's strategic plan direction to improve the quality of life and create places with identity and meaning for the residents of Richmond Hill. Your comments are important and needed in order for staff to address concerns or incorporate changes.
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Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra
Visit the RHPO's website www.rhpo.ca for ticket information.
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18th Annual Mill Pond Splash Eco-Festival Report
The 18th Annual Mill Pond Splash and Kids Run for Nature is over for another year. I
would like
to extend my thanks to the Toronto Region Conservation Authority for spearheading this great family eco festival. Again this year we celebrated our natural environment including the Don River (a branch of which begins at the Mill Pond) and all the creatures big and small that share this environment with us. It is truly great to see so many kids and families participating in this festival. We all learn about our natural environment at the Splash, and I have no doubt this learning makes us a more environmentally responsible community. New this year was the addition of the Kids Run for Nature in support of World Wildlife Federation. The run was a great success with kids completing a 1km or a 5km run around the north end of our Mill Pond Park. I look forward to next year's festivities!
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| The start line for the Kids Run for Nature |
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| An Electrofishing Demonstration by TRCA staff |
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A skunk, an wildlife handler, and a captivated audience!
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For more information please visit www.millpondsplash.ca
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The Farmers' Market is Back
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Richmond Hill Garden and
Horticultural Society
100th Anniversary
To celebrate their 100th anniversary the Richmond Hill Garden and Horticultural Society acquired the exclusive naming rights for a brand new Canadian rose. The Rose which they named "Garden Sunshine" for its bright sunny yellow floribundas-type blooms was about 7 years in development.
"Garden Sunshine" is fragrant and blooms from late spring until frost. It can be grown in gardens or large containers to bring garden sunshine all over Richmond Hill.
This is one of the many initiatives of the Richmond Hill Garden and Horticultural Society which also maintains several gardens in town including the peony garden at the Performing Arts Centre and the Millenium Garden a the Mill Pond.
Garden Sunshine Rose can be purchased ( while supplies last) by contacting the Richmond Hill Garden and Horticultural Society website :
I have one of these roses in my garden and I can't wait to see some blooms!
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Saigeon Trail Extension Construction Notice
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Richmond Hill Community Survey
96% of Residents Satisfied with Life in Richmond Hill
Residents feel their community is vibrant and welcoming
Richmond Hill residents have once again indicated a high level of satisfaction with Richmond Hill as a place to live. Ninety-six per cent of residents are satisfied or very satisfied, an increase from 94% in 2012 when the last survey was done. In addition, 83% of residents believe Richmond Hill is a vibrant community and 85% believe it is welcoming.
"It's not surprising to see that people continue to believe Richmond Hill is a great place to live," said Mayor Dave Barrow. "It's also gratifying to see that residents continue to feel we are truly a welcoming community."
The survey results show that 79% of respondents feel a strong sense of belonging to Richmond Hill while 78% feel diversity is one of the Town's strengths. Residents also feel connected to their neighbours (69%).
Residents gave the services Richmond Hill provides a 94% satisfaction rating. They are particularly satisfied with fire protection services (99%), libraries (95%), garbage & recycling collection (93%), recreation facilities (91%), recreation and culture programs (91%) and parks, open spaces & pathways (89%). Eighty-three percent also believe Town infrastructure is well maintained and 71% feel Richmond Hill is environmentally responsible in its actions.
"It's very important for us to measure how residents feel about what is happening in their community," said Mayor Barrow. "We conduct this survey every few years and it's just as important that we regularly engage residents on all of our big projects."
The results of the survey also demonstrate the progress Richmond Hill is making in implementing its 2009 Strategic Plan and each of the Plan's four goals - stronger connections, better choice, a more vibrant Richmond Hill and wise management of resources. The survey findings will be used to guide future actions and decisions of the Town.
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RICHMOND HILL TENNIS STRATEGY
Due to the timing of my e newsletter I am late getting this notice to my readers - I am sorry! However you can still let your views be known by contacting the staff members listed above. You can also view the plan online by clicking here.
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Canada Day at Richmond Green
Richmond Hill recently won an award for our great Canada Day Celebrations. Don't miss the best party in York Region celebrating our great country!
For complete information visit the following link
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Concerts in the Park
Please join us this summer for Concerts in the Park at the Mill Pond Park. It is a great celebration of music and community! For complete information please click
here
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3rd Annual Ward 4 Family BBQ at
Mill Pond Park
**SAVE THE DATE**
Tuesday August 23rd, 2016
(stay tuned to this e newsletter for more details)
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