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David West
Richmond Hill Ward 4 Councillor
Monthly Newsletter
December 2016
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Happy Holidays
As we approach the Holiday Season I would like to wish you and your family Season's Greetings. It is a busy time of year for many but during this time I hope that everyone has the chance to pause and spend time with family and friends. It is a time to reflect on the year that was and look with excitement to the year that will be.
Thanks for taking the time to read this newsletter. I always appreciate hearing your comments about any issue in our community. 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
[email protected]
, my cell number is 416-346-3090 and my office number is 905-771-2480.
David West
Ward 4 Councillor Richmond Hill
Banner Photo - Richmond Hill Winter Carnival - Bud Newton photographer
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Council News and Highlights
1.
Economic Development Strategy Update -
Key Findings and
Directions Report
The Economic Development Strategy 2010-2020 provides the foundation for achieving Richmond Hill's long-term economic development vision of sustained economic growth built on innovation, investment, entrepreneurship, creativity, and quality of place. With six years of implementation completed, significant progress has been made towards meeting Richmond Hill's economic development vision and goals.
The Key Findings and Directions report is the first step in the update process and will inform the development of a Recommendations and Implementation report. After this report is considered by Council in early 2017, an Economic Development Strategy Update will provide the Town with a more current roadmap for economic development in Richmond Hill for the next five years.
To view the
Economic Development Strategy Update - Key Findings and Directions Report
2. Tastes of the Hill Provides Cultural Experiences and Funds to the Community
Deputy Mayor, Regional & Local Councillor Vito Spatafora announced that $35,000 was raised at this year's Tastes of the Hill (TOTH) Multicultural Festival in support of Epilepsy York Region. The organization was selected to receive the funds raised due to their work providing support, education and advocacy to people with epilepsy and their families in York Region. This year's TOTH multicultural festival did not disappoint! Visitors experienced international cultures through a variety of activities, including live entertainment, a fashion show, contests and a showcase of culture, food and beverages, film, arts and crafts, sports and animals. To date, Tastes of the Hill has raised nearly half a million dollars for more than 20 local charities. I wish to extend my
congratulations
to Councillor Spatafora and all the staff and volunteers that have made this Festival possible over the years.
3. Richmond Hill Promotes Economic Growth Through Twinning with City of Netanya in Israel
On November 22nd, Richmond Hill Mayor Dave Barrow and Netanya Mayor Miriam Fierberg-Ikar signed a Twinning Agreement between the Town of Richmond Hill and the City of Netanya to further enhance the economic and overall wellbeing of both communities.
Some of the key objectives of the new partnership agreement include:
- the exchange of information, experiences and ideas in respect to all aspects of culture, youth, heritage and sport through projects, social welfare, cultural, educational, recreational and/or commercial nature directed towards public and community life in both cities;
- the promotion of exchange visits by the citizens of Netanya and of Richmond Hill and their representatives, the development of tourism initiatives, as well as the active fostering of close and friendly contacts between citizens in both locations;
- the promotion of economic and business links between the City of Netanya and the Town of Richmond Hill that would eventually lead to the creation of commercial transactions and trading activities, the exchange of technical knowledge on how to improve the efficiency of service delivery, the business sector and commercial links between the two cities.
Prior to the signing, the Mayor and delegates met with Israeli business leaders during one-on-one meetings at the Poleg Industrial Park, home to some of the biggest technology companies in Israel including Cisco, HP and Silcom Israel, the largest telecommunications company in Israel.
"Developing strong ties with other high-tech communities is significant for both Richmond Hill and Netanya in cultivating a mutually beneficial relationship," said Mayor Dave Barrow. "
Richmond Hill is part of Canada's largest technology sector. Both regions are leaders in the high-tech sector and this agreement will support our businesses to compete on a global scale." The Town has actively engaged companies in Netanya who have plans to set up offices in Richmond Hill, providing them with the assistance they need to make a smooth transition.
During the Trade Mission the Mayor and delegates attended meetings in Matam Park, the largest and oldest high-tech business park in Israel. Heartbeat Technologies, located in Matam Haifa, has already set up an office in Richmond Hill and is conducting pilot projects with local hospitals including Baycrest Health Sciences and Southlake Regional Health Centre.
Connecting with potential investors and business leaders in Israel will generate economic growth in terms of new business investment, job growth and economic diversity in Richmond Hill for both the immediate and distant future.
4. Village of Richmond Hill BIA Annual General Meeting
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I had the pleasure of bringing greetings to the business owners of the BIA at the AGM
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This month the Village of Richmond Hill Business Improvement Area Association
held
their Annual General Meeting. I have been a member of the BIA Board of Directors for several years before I became a councillor and continue to work with the BIA to improve the Village Core area of our Town. This year at the AGM it was reported that some progress is beginning to be made in this area. A number of new businesses have opened up, several building facade improvements have taken place and more are about to take place, our Downtown Secondary Plan for the Village area is about to come to Council for approval, and a number of marketing efforts for the local businesses through the BIA are about to be launched. One of these initiatives is a printed directory published by the BIA that will be distributed to local residents. A new BIA website promoting local businesses is also about to be launched. To find out more about some great
businesses in the Village Core visit villageofrichmondhill.ca. There is more work to be done but every journey begins with the first steps!
5. Richmond Hill Santa Claus Parade
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| David is joined by one of Santa's Elves |
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Ookpik from he Winter Carnival and some of his fans |
Last month Richmond Hill hosted its first ever nighttime Santa Claus Parade. It was great to be a part of it - I always really enjoy the look of amazement and wonder from the younger kids as the bands and floats go by - that is what it is all about! Pictured below is the Winter Carnival Float that Doug, Steve and I built. A good time was had by all!
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| The Richmond Hill Winter Carnival Float |
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6. Grade 5 Municipal Government Visit
I was invited to speak to some grade 5 students in Richmond Hill last month about local municipal politics and my experience on Richmond Hill Council. I answered many questions from the
students
about local government. It was inspiring to see our young people so knowledgable and engaged in their community. I also had 3 questions that were asked with big smiles by 3 students:
1. Do I know Justin Trudeau
2. Do I know Donald Trump
3. Am I related to Kanye West
It was a great day - by the way the answers - "no" to all three!
7. Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi Holiday Season Banquet
The Fung Loy Kok Taoism group invited all of Council to its annual Holiday Celebration this month. It was a pleasure to
attend
and learn more about this group and the work that they do in communities across North America.
8. Richmond Hill OMB Recommendations Report to Ontario Government
In April of this year I moved a member motion that encouraged the Ontario Government to reform the current Ontario Municipal Board. This motion passed, almost unanimously by our Richmond Hill Council. Many other municipalities have since passed similar resolutions in response to a widely held belief by municipal representatives that the current OMB is not working for municipalities like Richmond Hill. I also helped organize a Municipal leaders group in the spring that hosted an OMB Reform Summit. This Summit included municipal leaders and representatives from across Ontario. The culmination of this Summit was a recommendations report that was submitted by our group to the Ontario Government. Stemming from these collective efforts, the Ontario Governmet has invited input from all Ontario municipalities to guide their process of OMB reform.
At Richmond Hill Committee of the Whole on December 5th our Policy Planning Staff presented an excellent report summarizing the key challenges that we experience locally with the OMB. Most importantly the report outlined our recommendations for OMB reform to the province. Council almost unanimously approved the recommendations contained in the report. The full report can be found here. Below I have copied the conclusion from this report. I would fully expect that our input, as well as input from municipalities across this province will soon translate into significant OMB reform.
Staff report Conclusion
The Provincial government has heard a range of viewpoints regarding the OMB and its role within Ontario's land use planning system. These views generally include that citizens feel that they do not have a meaningful voice in the process, more weight
should be given to municipal decisions, OMB hearings are too long and costly and decisions are unpredictable. In response to those and other comments received, the Province has asked for input on a number of potential changes that it is considering with respect to the five themes outlined in this staff report.
Overall, the proposed changes to the OMB seek to improve the current land use planning process and are generally supported. However, there is a need for fundamental changes to the role and function of the OMB so that it operates fairly and effectively as a true appeal body. The changes proposed in the Province's consultation document are on the right track. If supported, these changes will be manifested through a combination of changes to the
Planning Act
, the OMB Act, the Board's Rules of Practice and Procedures, the OMB website, and other vehicles. Underpinning all of these changes requires a clear description of the role of the OMB in the land use planning process. At this point, the Province has not yet articulated what that description is. However, it is clear that in order to better ensure planning decisions are made via an open and transparent process, more of those decisions need to be made by local councils and not the OMB. Municipal councils must give due regard for approved and in effect upper-tier and provincial policies as well as input received from the public when making decisions. As such, should the proposed changes take effect, municipal accountability will have to be heightened.
As noted in this report, there are many proposed changes that are supported; however, there are matters that could be further improved. To better realize the
Planning Act
expectation that decisions be made in an open forum with appropriate public consultation, and with a view to serve the broader public interest, the Province is urged to give priority to the following key recommendations noted within the report together with the recommendations set out in Appendix 2:
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Remove all appeal rights as it relates to official plans, secondary plans and official plan amendments, while providing the right for the Minister or approval authority to modify such a document to ensure conformity/consistency with provincial or regional policies;
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Limit the role of the OMB so that it focuses on the validity of decisions made by Councils and Approval Authorities, and not be a forum for substituting those decisions. Where the OMB finds an "error" in a Council decision, it should render a decision which explains the error, and direct Council to correct it thereby leaving the remedy in Council's hands - as a court would do;
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Limit the OMB's overarching authority over all planning matters to only approve, modify or refuse planning matters for the purpose of ensuring conformity and/or consistency with provincial policies and plans and local OP's, as appropriate; and
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The Province should consider amending Section 2 of the
Planning Act
to ensure that Council decisions are given due weight in an OMB hearing even if the Council decision occurs after an appeal is filed.
9. York Region Indian Senior's Club Fundraising Dinner
 It was a pleasure to attend the York Region Indian Senior's Club event in December. A fun event with wonderful Indian entertainment and food provided by the Host
Restaurant. My congratulations to Raj Sethi, Councillor Liu, and all their committee for hosting this event.
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Ward 4 Development Applications - Update
There are a number of development applications active in Ward 4 that continue to generate 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 development applications in the ward, but a brief synopsis of select applications. Information that is new since the last newsletter is marked as "**NEW**" Please feel free to contact me at
[email protected]
if you have questions about an application that is not included here.
1. 71 Regent St.
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 and Council Hosted a very well attended Council Public meeting in October 2016.
**NEW** I was recently disappointed to learn that the applicant has appealed this application to the Ontario Municipal Board. No dates have yet been set for a pre hearing or a hearing but I will inform the public as soon as this information is known.
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 from my office, informing the neighbourhood of this application. The applicant has since appealed this application to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). The OMB hearing is scheduled for December 12th at the town office at 225 East Beaver Creek Road in the committee room on the 1st floor.
**NEW** Council recently passed an Interim Control Bylaw (ICBL) that effectively "freezes" development in this area while a Secondary Plan is produced for the portion of the lands that are included in the Key Development Area designation under the Official Plan. For more information please see the "new" section of #6 below (both this application and #6 are within the boundary area of the ICBL)
4. 129, 133, 141 Arnold Cres and 230 Major Mackenzie Dr. W.
This site is owned by 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. 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.
5. 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.
6. 47 and 59 Brookside Road and 12 and 24 Naughton Drive
This proposed development application includes 188 townhouses, 4 condo towers and a public park. I hosted a
Resident's Meeting on Wednesday, August 10th. At this meeting residents voiced significant concerns about a number of issues related to the application. Included in these concerns was the overall density of the proposal and the height of the 4 buildings being proposed (as high as 29 storeys), as well as issues related to vehicular access to the site and related traffic concerns.
A very well attended Council Public Meeting was held regarding this application on October 5th. Many residents spoke to council about their concerns with the proposal. Most council members, including myself, reflected these concerns and spoke in support of the residents. All comments from this meeting will be taken by staff as the application undergoes a more thorough analysis and ultimately a recommendation to council to approve or deny the application. I am expecting that we will be able to work with the applicant to make some significant changes to this application so that it can eventually represent a much better "fit" for the neighbourhood than what is currently being proposed.
**NEW**
Richmond Hill council has enacted an Interim Control By-law for Yonge/Bernard Area.
Council approved the implementation of an Interim Control By-law (ICBL) for an area around the intersection of Yonge Street and Bernard Avenue. The Interim Control By-law temporarily prohibits the use of land, buildings or structures within the specified area for one year while staff to conduct a Planning Study, develop a Key Development Area Secondary Plan and an Implementing Zoning By-law for this area. The ICBL will allow Richmond Hill to obtain input on the Secondary Plan from residents and stakeholders. It will also help ensure that development in the area meets the standards of municipal and provincial policy such as Richmond Hill's Official Plan, York Region Official Plans and Ontario's Growth Plan. Richmond Hill will contract with Urban Strategies Inc. to prepare the Planning Study and Yonge/Bernard Key Development Area Secondary Plan and Implementing Zoning By-law. Staff will report back to Council before the end of July 2017 on potential adjustments to the ICBL boundary in accordance with the study findings. During this time there will be an opportunity for community int and I would invite all interested residents to stay tuned as more information becomes available.
At the Council Public Meeting held on October 25th a zoning bylaw amendment application was considered by Council in order to provide relief from the current zoning bylaw governing building at 100 Mill St. The applicant is applying to sever the existing lot and create 2 homes on the two proposed lots. A number of residents attended the meeting and/or expressed their concerns to me in writing primarily about the size and height of the proposed buildings. Some expressed that it was unnecessary and inappropriate for these proposed buildings to be so large, when many other newer homes in this area have done a good job "fitting" into the existing neighbourhood. All comments from this meeting will be referred back to planning staff. At this meeting the applicant has made a promise to work with staff and the community to propose something more appropriately sized as the process moves forward.
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Winter Updates
We're Ready! Are You?
Winter comes every year. Sometimes it's late; sometimes it's early. One thing we're certain of is that it's coming!
Richmond Hill staff start planning for winter long before the first snowflakes hit the ground! How? They start by cleaning and repairing streets, clearing leaves from catch basins, and reviewing the winter maintenance protocols and standards. Plowing routes are reviewed; maps are updated; staff are trained; and truck, salt and sand equipment is tested.
Snow clearing activities move into full swing once snow is predicted. Our staff monitor the weather using a GPS system and other weather-tracking apps. Several hours before an expected storm event, an anti-icing brine is applied to bridge decks and primary roads to prevent ice from forming and to make it easier to clear the roads after the snow does fall. It takes about three to four hours to salt all roads in Richmond Hill and plowing operations begin at five centimeters of accumulation. Plowing our roads will take anywhere from 10 to 12 hours - depending on the intensity of weather.
Of note, we now offer a subscription option on our website (
RichmondHill.ca/WinterUpdates) so you can stay current with what's happening on our roads and sidewalks. Our windrow clearing service is still available to those who qualify, as well. To learn more about windrow clearing and to register, visit
RichmondHill.ca/AboutWindrows. Please also remember to follow our winter parking rules (visit RichmondHill.ca/Parking to learn more) and to keep your sidewalks and the area around fire hydrants clear. Lending a helping hand is always a great thing to do, so please be sure to look out for your neighbours this winter.
Above all, we ask that you please be patient during a snow event. Richmond Hill may seem like a small municipality compared to others, but it takes time to safely clear our roads and sidewalks.
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Richmond Hill Winter Carnival - Save the Date
As a member of the Richmond Hill Winer Carnival Organizing Committee I would like to invite you to attend the Winter Carnival - a Ward 4 tradition for almost 50 years! This celebration of winter was started 49 years ago by a group of residents in the Mill Pond area who wanted to provide their friends and neighbours with a good excuse to get out of the house and celebrate all that winter in Richmond Hill has to offer. Pony rides, pancakes, skating on the pond, skydivers, great live music and a beer tasting event are but some of the highlights of this great winter event. For complete information please visit
www.wintercarnival.net.
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Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts
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BUDGET 2017
The budget process is starting and the capital and operating budgets will be presented to council and the public on the following dates:
Operating Budget Deliberation Meetings
- January 24, 2017 Budget Committee of the Whole Meeting
- January 31, 2017 Budget Committee of the Whole Meeting
- February 7, 2017 Budget Committee of the Whole Meeting
- February 14, 2017 Budget Committee of the Whole Meeting
Special Council Meeting:
- Tuesday February 28, 2017
How Richmond Hill's Budget Works
Learn how we develop our budgets with this short video. View it here.
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Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra
For more information please visit www.rhpo.ca
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Chorus York Launches First Season Under New Director
Chorus York, Richmond Hill's new community choir, is launching its first season under the direction of Maestro Stéphane Potvin. The choir will be presenting "Our First Nowell", a program of traditional Christmas carols from around the world, on December 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church, 10066 Yonge St., followed by a festive reception. The same program will be presented in a matinee concert on December 11 at the Thornhill Presbyterian Church, 27 Centre St., Thornhill. The accompanist for both concerts will be Rachael Kerr. Tickets are available online through
www.chorusyork.ca/concert
and from members of the choir. $25, $20 (Sr.), $15 (St. with ID), $55 (Family : Sunday concert only) Call 905-884-7922 for more information.
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3rd Annual Charity Volleyball Tournament &
Food Drive
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Drop In Soccer At Richmond Green
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2017 Canada 150 Student Arts Contest
Visit the Central Library Website
www.rhpl.richmondhill.on.ca to fill out the form below. Submissions will be accepted until 8:00 pm on
Thursday, February 9, 2017
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Ward 4 Community Corner - Your Shot
This is a new section of my e-newsletter. I have come to admire photos I see on social media taken by Richmond Hill residents, that highlight some of the great places in our town. This section of the newsletter showcases these photos. If you have a great photo of a spot in our great town please feel free to email it to me at
[email protected] so I can showcase it here!
Photographer Mustafa Master
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Romance at the Mill Pond by Mustafa Master
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Photographer Chris Robart
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| Sky at Dusk - By Chris Robart |
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| Our Closest Neighbour - (Not Markham) - By Chris Robart |
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| The Dunlap Observatory Telescope Dome - by Chris Robart |
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