David West  
Richmond Hill Ward 4 Councillor 
Monthly Newsletter 

January 2017
Photo Credit - Bud Newton
Newsletter at a glance
In this Issue





Contacting David 
Phone 
905-771-2480 

 

Mobile Phone 
416-346-3090

 

Mailing Address 
225 East Beaver Creek Richmond Hill L4B3P4

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Important Phone Numbers 
 





 
 
Access Richmond Hill
905-771-8800





 
 
  
After Hours Town Emergency 905-884-8013





 
 
  
Animal Control
1-888-668-7722


 



 
  
Canada Post
905-773-5880





 
 
  
Enbridge Consumers Gas
416-447-4911


 



 
  
Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868


 
 



  
York Regional Police
905-773-1221


 



 
  
PowerStream
1-877-963-6900





 
 
  
Municipality of York
905-731-0201





 
 
 
Richmond Hill Libraries
905-884-9288 


 



 
 
Fire Department
905-883-5444


 
 



 
Inclement Weather Hotline
905-771-5487





 
 
 
Mackenzie Health Hospital
905-883-1212





 
 
 
Snowline (Snow Removal)
905-771-2525


 
 



  
  

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Growing Pains in Richmond Hill
As all municipalities grow in the GTA, including Richmond Hill, challenges related to accommodating that growth will often result. Richmond Hill is consistently rated as one of the best communities in which to live in Canada, but growth related challenges will continue to be an issue for us. Specifically in Ward 4 we are seeing many applications for infill development. By definition, the challenge with infill is - how to fit the final pieces into an already established community? This very question is being considered in many areas in our ward (see section below called Ward 4 Development Applications Update). Council, our staff, and our community will continue to work toward making the growth that we will experience "fit". In many cases this task is not easy, but it is important that we all work together to get it right.

We had a successful Richmond Hill Winter Carnival in our town last week, Mother Nature provided the "Winter" (although she was skimpy on the Mill Pond ice thickness) and the Winter Carnival Committee provided the fun. I hope you will join us next year for the 50th anniversary of this important Richmond Hill tradition. Speaking of celebrations - I hope you will be able to join me on March 25th at the Elgin West Community Centre for the 1st Annual Ward 4 Maple Syrup Festival. Details of this event are outlined below. 

Finally, Council and our staff have been hard at work on the Richmond Hill Operating Budget. The budget is scheduled for adoption at a Special Council meeting called for February 28th (details below). The budget is important because it represents a monetary reflection of the values and priorities that we share in Richmond Hill and it shapes our community in very significant ways!  If you have any input related to this important process please feel free to contact me.

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! P lease 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.
 
I also have a website (www.davidwest-richmondhill.ca) that hosts information and articles from past newsletters. 
 
   
Sincerely,
David West 
Ward 4 Councillor Richmond Hill

Banner Photo - Canada 150 Cake that we enjoyed at the Winter Carnival Courtesy of MPs Leona Alleslev and Majid Jowhari - photo courtesy of Bud Newton
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Council News and Highlights
   
1. Council Approves the Civic Precinct Project
Last fall, after extensive public consultation and deliberation, Council voted to build a new civic centre and community amenities in the centre of town. This much-anticipated decision means the town-owned land at the southwest corner of Yonge Street and Major Mackenzie Drive, known as the Civic Precinct, will be transformed into an all-season community space with new municipal offices, an expanded Central Library and public gathering areas for the community.
 
The project includes a public square, a reflecting pool/skating rink, amphitheatre, pedestrian promenade and plaza. Once built, this will be a place where people gather to celebrate and have fun as a community. Through public consultation, the residents of Richmond Hill made it clear that a central gathering space is needed for the community. We took your feedback and used it to help develop the Civic Precinct concept plan.
 
The Civic Precinct will reflect the goals and principles of the town's Strategic Plan, Official Plan, Downtown Secondary Plan, Economic Development Strategy and Cultural Plan, which were also developed with input from Richmond Hill residents, businesses and stakeholders.

This new Civic Precinct will be a catalyst for downtown revitalization since it provides a destination and a workplace that will draw hundreds of people to the downtown every day. 

A preliminary estimate of the total project cost is $191,497,000. The cost for the Project will be refined as the requirements and design are further developed. 
Richmond Hill already has the funds for about three quarters of the total estimated cost, including the Community Enhancement and Economic Vitality Reserve fund. This reserve was established for community-wide projects such as the Civic Precinct. Town staff will present a draft financial plan in 2017 with options to fund the remaining portion as well as a governance structure and timeline for the Civic Precinct at a Special Council Meeting on February 22 at 10 a.m.
 
The Civic Precinct will be a people place - a place where people want to be, a place where they can connect - with fellow citizens, their community, their local government and with their surroundings.

 
2. Lincoln Alexander Day in Richmond Hill 
Senator Don Meredith addressing the gathering


I was proud to attend a celebration at Markham Council Chambers to honour Lincoln Alexander. It was Lincoln Alexander day on January 21st. Mr. Alexander was a truly remarkable Canadian! An immigrant from the Caribbean, he was the first black MP and cabinet minister. Again and again speakers commented on how gracefully and gently he brought people together and how his personality and sense of humour inspired people to work together to find a common purpose. I was also inspired by the comment that was made over and over again - he did not see colour he just saw "people". What a great legacy to leave for future generations of Canadians!

Thanks to Richmond Hill resident Senator Don Meredith whose Senate motion passed 3 years ago to declare January 21st Lincoln Alexander Day in Canada. He and his wife Michelle organized the celebration!

3. Downtown Secondary Plan coming to Council for Approval
At the February 21st Committee of the Whole staff will be presenting to Council the
revised Downtown Secondary Plan and the Downtown Transportation and Parking Strategy. The Transportation Plan is one of the more important foundational documents to the Downtown Secondary Plan. The Secondary Plan has been brought together with a good deal of input from both the local public and area businesses. The plan will guide the development of the historic Village  Core over the years to come. This is another step for Richmond Hill in our efforts to promote revitalization of our Village Core. We have important Heritage buildings in the area. Some of these buildings are already landmarks and some are hiding behind more recently built additions and facades but will be eventually restored and revitalized. The plan also addresses issues of parking supply in the area by creating more parking in behind the buildings in shared lots and spaces. This new parking will be easily accessible using the new pedestrian and vehiciular access points that allow much more permeability onto the areas just off of Yonge Street. I would encourage you to view the plan and let me know if you have any comments. I am excited by the prospect of seeing more progress towards creating a revitalized Village Core. While this plan will not, in itself accomplish this revitalization, it is an important step toward accomplishing this goal. The revised plan and more information can be found here

4. Richmond Hill Markham Chinese Business Association Meeting

Council Members were recently invited to discuss business issues with the Richmond Hill Markham Chinese Business Association. A good conversation ensued related to issues facing small to medium sized businesses in our communities. Deputy Mayor Spatafora also had an opportunity to give attendees an overview of Richmond Hill's Economic Development Strategy. Small business is the backbone of our Richmond Hill economy. Thanks to Daisy Wai and the RHMCBA Board for arranging and hosting the meeting! Also - Kung Hei Fat Choi as we celebrate Chinese New Year!

5. Council Adds Much Needed Parkland in Ward 4
I am pleased to announce that Richmond Hill has been able to acquire the close to 2 acre piece of property at 71 Regent St. On January 28th at Council, I was honoured to be able to move my motion in open session to direct staff to purchase the land at 71 Regent, in order to add it to our inventory of parkland. The motion passed unanimously. 

This purchase means that the Heritage Estates/Mill Pond area of town, which has been identified in our Parks Plan as one of the most under serviced park areas in our community, will now have a significant piece of parkland for the community to enjoy. This land will represent an important addition to the park amenity supply in this area, now and for the future.

The funds to purchase this land (a purchase price of just over $9M which was the appraised market value) will come from the parkland cash in lieu fund. This fund is made up of monies collected from each approved development application, where parkland is not donated as a part of the development application, but instead the applicant is directed to give the town funds that can be used to purchase parkland where there is a need.

In the past we have used this fund to purchase parkland in various places. For example, Council purchased the area around Lake Wilcox Park a number of years ago to create the Lake Wilcox Park and Community Centre. As we grow as a community, the Parkland Cash in Lieu fund will help us purchase parkland so our park inventory keeps pace with our growing demand for parks.

This purchase also means that this new land area can work synergistically with the existing Stavert Park to the west, and Upper Mill Pond to the east thus creating the potential to be greater than the sum of its parts. I am sure that this land will represent an important addition to the park amenity supply in this area, now and for the future.

To view a video of the proceeding at Council related to this issue please click here and view video #2.  If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me. 

6.  Richmond Hill Continues to Invest in the Community
In support of the significant contribution of local community and cultural organizations, whose initiatives enhance the quality of life and cultural vibrancy within our community, Council approved $49,870 to fund 21 project applications under the Community and Cultural Grant Program (CCGP). Through an application process, the CCGP provides funding to community and cultural organizations, as well as individual artists, whose programs, services and/or activities enhance Richmond Hill. Within the program's two funding streams (community organizations and cultural sector), the maximum grant per project is 50 per cent of the project budget up to a maximum of $5,000. This year's grant recipients were evaluated and awarded based on criteria outlined in the Program's guidelines. The CCGP replaced the Mayor's Endowment Fund for the Arts and Community Grants Program as outlined in Richmond Hill's Cultural Plan. To learn more about the grant application process, criteria and eligibility, visit RichmondHill.ca/CommunityGrants

7.  Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services (RHFES) Committed to
     Community Safety
Council received the implementation plan for the Fire and Emergency Services Master Plan (FESMP). The FESMP identifies a number of actions that could be carried out over the next 10 years to support RHFES in maintaining, and keeping up with the demands of fire protection services in our community. This includes, hiring additional fire firefighters, fire inspectors, and an Emergency Management Coordinator, as well as a feasibility study for Station 8-1 and a new fire station, to name just a few actions. An FESMP is a strategic long range plan to deliver fire and emergency services based on the needs and circumstances of the community. It includes an objective assessment of the community's current fire risks and today's fire service capabilities. The assessment also includes the predicted future growth of the municipality and makes recommendations for fire protection service enhancements to address the current and future fire and emergency service needs. Implementation of the FESMP will move ahead in conjunction with the budget process over the next 10 years. 

8.   Richmond Hill Continues to Implement Official Plan - Building a New
      Kind of Urban
Richmond Hill Council endorsed the Yonge Street and 16th Avenue Key Development Area (KDA) Policy Directions and Recommendations Report which outlines the vision, principles and key directions to guide the physical long-term evolution of the area. The Yonge Street and 16th Avenue KDA is planned to be Richmond Hill's second highest and most dense new centre, and is envisioned to evolve from a historical retail node to a more connected, mixed-use urban centre that will become a transit and pedestrian-oriented destination. The report provides direction for the overarching elements of the preferred land use and design scenario including recommended land uses, streets and blocks, height and density distribution, built form, and public realm/urban open space system frameworks. The directions and recommendations in the report will guide the preparation of the Yonge Street and 16th Avenue KDA Secondary Plan which is anticipated to be presented to Council in 2017. 

9.  Richmond Hill Pet Stores Encouraged to Support Animal Rescue
Council approved an amendment to the business licensing rules in Richmond Hill's Municipal Code Chapter 826, which requires all dogs, cats and rabbits acquired in Richmond Hill to be sourced from municipal animal shelters, registered humane societies, registered shelters and registered rescue groups. The intent of the change is to encourage residents to adopt rescue animals and discourage the puppy mill industry. Pet stores will have a 12-month grace period to sell any pets already in their care. With this business licensing amendment, pet stores will be encouraged to partner with approved shelters and rescues to help reduce the number of homeless pets and residents will have peace of mind knowing their pet purchase has not indirectly supported the inhumane treatment of animals. In addition, the amendment specifies the care requirements for pets awaiting sale and sets minimum standards for how pets are housed in pet stores, including ventilation, exercise, sanitation and appropriate flooring. 

10. Richmond Hill Council Votes to Request Amendment to Highway Traffic Act
Council voted to support a resolution to request that the Government of Ontario amend the Highway Traffic Act to permit municipalities to administer automated speed enforcement and other technology-based enforcement of offences through the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS). AMPS will come into effect in Richmond Hill for parking offenses on July 1, 2017. A copy of this resolution will be sent to the Attorney General of Ontario, the Minister of Municipal Affairs, the Minister of Transportation, York Region and Association of Municipalities Ontario. 
  


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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 david.west@richmondhill.ca if you have questions about an application that is not included here. 

 
1. 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 is scheduled to hold a pre hearing meeting for this application on February 7th, 2017 at 9AM. The main hearing on this file will be scheduled for March 20th, 2017. 
** New** A With Prejudice Settlement Offer was presented at the Committee of the Whole Meeting on February 6th. This offer included a significant increase in the number of Townhouse units that had been previously proposed (88 up from the previous proposal of 37), a number of other changes including 3 semi detached units facing Arnold Cres. as well as increased setbacks to the lots on Highland Lane from the proposed units south of Arnold. While I appreciate that there are some improvements to the plan relative to the original plan,, it still remains a poor fit for the neighbourhood in my opinion. I moved a motion at Committee of the Whole on February 6th to deny this application, and unless there is a significant change in the plan in the very near future I intend to move this motion forward at Council on February 13th. Given that the application is currently before the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) the passing of this motion by Council will unfortunately mean it will go back to the OMB and it will be up to the OMB to make its ruling. I will continue to keep the community informed as this situation unfolds.

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, 2016.  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. This Secondary Plan process will begin immediately and take place over the next year approximately.
**New** See #6 below as this application is with the same ICBL area

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 are working to complete with  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.  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. An interesting article is published in the Richmond Hill Post on page 10. You can view the article by following clicking here.

**New** The Interim Control Bylaw that was passed by Council recently has been appealed to the OMB by several of the landowners in this area. Details of these appeals will be announced when they are available.

**New** As a part of the KDA development process public input will be invited on the following two dates. I would encourage all interested area residents to attend one of these meetings. The input received from these meetings will help to shape the KDA Secondary Plan and the related development in this area.

Event #1: Public Workshop
When:             Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Time:              7:00pm - 9:00pm
Where:            Elgin West Community Centre (Palisade Room) 11099 Bathurst Street, Richmond Hill
The purpose of this workshop is to engage the public and provide an opportunity to be involved in the KDA planning study. At the workshop, a short presentation will be made, and there will be opportunities to participate in a number of smaller roundtable thematic discussions to obtain feedback and input.
 
Event #2: Community Open House
When:             Thursday, March 30, 2017
Time:              7:00pm - 9:00pm
Where:            Elgin West Community Centre (Palisade Room), 11099 Bathurst Street, Richmond Hill
 
The Community Open House will provide the public with an opportunity to view the background work and draft options for the KDA that have been developed by the consultants and Town staff, based on input received from the public, agencies, and other stakeholders.
 
If you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to contact me at 905-771-2536.  For more information on the Yonge/Bernard KDA project, please visit the study webpage at:  http://www.richmondhill.ca/bernardKDA


7 . 100 Mill St.
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. At the present time our planning staff will continue to work with the applicant so that a revised application can be brought to Council in the future. 

8. **NEW** 35 Wright St.
The proposed application at 35 Wright St. seeks to amend the Zoning By-Law to permit a 6 storey office building to be constructed on the subject lands. I will be be hosting a Residents' Meeting on Tuesday, February 28th at 7:00 p.m. A ll residents are welcome to attend this meeting. A mailed invitation has been distributed to the immediate neighbourhood. There will also be a Council Public Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 22nd at 7:30 in the Council Chambers. Your input regarding this application can also be submitted to myself at david.west@richmondhill.ca and to the staff planner on this file at katherine.faria@richmondhil.ca 
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First Annual Ward 4 Maple Syrup Festival
Maple syrup is one of the many icons for which Canada is known around the world. We are blessed in Ontario and Quebec with many Sugar Maple trees and each year spring sap from these trees is collected and boiled down to syrup. It has become a delicious tradition in our country and it is enjoyed worldwide.  Maple syrup has also been a part of my family's culture for a long time. My grandparents and my father made and sold maple syrup when they lived on their farm since the early 1900s. 

Given that this is Canada's 150th birthday, I wanted to create a festival in Ward 4 that would celebrate this unique aspect of our culture. Please join me for pancakes and real maple syrup, Maple tree tapping and sap boiling demonstrations in the Twickenham forest, many activities for the family and kids, an opportunity to buy maple syrup (with all profits going to the Richmond Hill Historical Society) and most importantly, a good reason to come out and celebrate the coming of spring in Richmond Hill and Canada 150.

I hope you will join me and your neighbours on March 25th between 10AM and 2PM at the Elgin West Community Centre!
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49th Annual Richmond Hill Winter Carnival Summary

Premiere Wynne addressing the Crowd at the Opening Ceremonies

 (she attended the 1st annual Carnival)


Lots of Vintage Carnival Buttons
Giving Away Prizes from the Stage

Above 3 photos by Bud Newton - RH Camera Club
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Community Engagement Session
Mackenzie Health Update
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The Regional Municipality of York
NOTICE OF COMPLETION
Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study
Elgin Mills Road
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  Town of Richmond Hill - Annual Cultural Summit 2017
  





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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
  • Complete - January 24, 2017 Budget Committee of the Whole Meeting  
  • Complete - January 31, 2017 Budget Committee of the Whole Meeting
  • Complete - 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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WE can change the world Day
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Hands and Hearts for Africa - Sock Hop Fundraiser for the Stephen Lewis Foundation and
African AIDS families
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Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra
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Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts
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5th Annual Beaded Art Show and Sale
  
                                   
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Ward 4 Community Corner - Your Shot
If you have a great photo taken in Richmond Hill I would love to feature it here. Send it to me at david.west@richmondhill.ca to be in next month's e-newsletter!

First Snowfall of the Year at Lake Wilcox - Photographer Jack Tome

Mesmerized by the Hoverpuck - Photographer Rob Young
Richmond Hill Stars Minor Midget AA vs Newmarket

Touchdown at the Mill Pond - Photographer Rob Young

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