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May in Richmond Hill
The festivities for Canada 150 have begun and the energy is growing as we collectively prepare for the Canada Day celebrations on July 1st of this year. As always, Richmond Hill will be hosting our award winning Canada Day party at Richmond Green (for more information click
here) but many other community and Town led celebrations have already happened, and will continue to take place throughout 2017. Contained below in this newsletter there is information about upcoming events planned to celebrate our great country in its 150th year of confederation.
Also below in this newsletter is information about the Strides for Stroke Run happening on May 6th and the Mill Pond Splash and the Kids Run for Nature on June 4th. Both of these events are exciting additions to our community and I hope that you can join us at one or both!
I have recently updated my website to assist in keeping residents informed of significant activities I have undertaken as your councillor. The website also serves to keep residents informed of any important news from the Town of Richmond Hill. On this website you can find past issues of the e newsletter, my blog, and a new web gallery of photos illustrating some of my activities. I would invite you to visit at
www.davidwest-richmondhill.ca.
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
[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 - Raindrops in Bond Lake
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Council News and Highlights
1. Richmond Hill Continues to Celebrate Canada 150
Street Banner Contest Entries Selected
Richmond Hill is excited to showcase the selected artwork of the Street Banner Contest, whose unique creations celebrating Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation have been selected. These pieces of art will be displayed along Yonge Street in Richmond Hill.
Held earlier this year, the contest was funded by the Government of Canada and is one of Richmond Hill's many Canada 150 themed initiatives. Richmond Hill residents were encouraged to design and submit up to five pieces of visual art including photography, digital art, collage, painting, illustration and printmaking. The theme for the contest was "Past, Present and Future," and encouraged members of the community to reflect on their history in Richmond Hill, the current strengths of the community and the possibilities for its future.
Residents and visitors alike will be able to view the chosen street banners portraying colourful and vibrant pictures of the town's lakes and forests, plants and animals, and some of the many historic sites. The street banners have been installed along Yonge Street between Major Mackenzie Drive and Crosby Avenue.
Thanks to all the residents who had artwork selected. I have been told the decision was not easy with over 60 works of art submitted. The following residents had their artwork selected:
Alexandra K Conrad,
Andrea End,
Bud Newton,
Chloe Tsui,
Chris Kingdon,
Claire Laitinen,
Clyde Fancisco,
Elizabeth Wu,
Esther Zhu,
Eugene Zhu,
Grant Dale,
Jodi Hui,
Rhonda Starr,
Senlin Qiao,
Victoria Wu,
Yiu Man Wong
To view the selected Street Banner Contest entries or to learn more about other Canda 150 initiatives, please visit
RichmondHill.ca/Canada150.
2. Notice to Residents Re: Arnold Crescent Highland Lane and Elizabeth Street - Detailed Topographic Survey
3. Community Tree Planting Efforts Help Increase Richmond Hill's Tree Canopy
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| Photo: Town of Richmond Hill |
Council received a report outlining the continued success of Richmond Hill's efforts to protect the natural environment and its achievements in 2016. Major highlights include the Community Stewardship and Healthy Yards Programs and their contributions to increasing Richmond Hill's urban tree canopy cover by 4.6% in just over five years. Through the Community Stewardship Program, Richmond Hill works with agencies and community volunteers to improve the local environment through activities such as tree planting, stream restoration and invasive species removal. In 2016, with the help of 2,000 community volunteers and partner agencies, 10,100 trees/shrubs were planted in Richmond Hill parks and natural areas. The Healthy Yards Program provides residents the opportunity to purchase native trees, shrubs and perennial flowers for their own property at a subsidized cost.
Rain barrels are also available at a wholesale price. In 2016, approximately 1,000 residents purchased 1,110 trees and shrubs, 3,485 wildflowers and 198 rain barrels. Tree planting initiatives like these, in combination with natural tree canopy growth has helped Richmond Hill's tree canopy to increase substantially since 2010. Based on the Town's land area of 10,008 hectares (excluding water), Richmond Hill's urban tree canopy increased from 24.5% in 2010 to approximately 29.1% in 2016 (2,912 hectares in total). This significant tree canopy increase can, in part, be attributed to Richmond Hill having a fairly "young" tree canopy which has developed over the past decade on residential streets, as well as in areas like the Elgin Mills Cemetery. In addition, new trees that have been planted through restoration efforts within the Town's park and open space system and in the Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve have notably increased canopy coverage, particularly in areas previously without tree cover. For information about the 2017 Healthy Yards Program and other upcoming tree planting events, visit RichmondHill.ca.
4. Richmond Hill Staff Raise More Than $60,000 for United Way of Toronto & York Region
Every year, Richmond Hill staff show their support for the United Way by participating in a variety of initiatives to raise funds for the organization. In 2016, staff introduced a pancake breakfast and juried baking competition in addition to past events such as the payroll deduction program and silent auctions. This culminated in staff presenting a cheque in the amount of $62,537.99 to United Way representatives Gordon Shand and Marc Keohane. The overall region-wide campaign raised a record $102 million, which is the highest achievement to date and the largest United Way campaign in the world. The funds will directly benefit many local agencies in Richmond Hill and the GTA that offer essential programs to the community. To learn more about the United Way of Toronto & York Region, visit
UnitedwayTYR.com.
5. Richmond Hill's Youth Activities are Platinum Level!
Richmond Hill has been recognized for its commitment to providing recreational opportunities for youth with Platinum Level status through Play Works' Youth Friendly Community Award program. This program acknowledges the great work that communities are doing to ensure their youth have continuous access to a diversity of 'play'. The Town and other community organizations in Richmond Hill offer a consistent and varied mix of play opportunities for youth including recreation, sports, arts, drama, dance and civic engagement. Platinum Level status means that Richmond Hill met all sixteen of the youth friendly criteria. Previously Richmond Hill obtained a Bronze Level (2006) and Gold Level (2011) status.
6. Richmond Hill to Celebrate Youth May 1st to 7th
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Photo - Town of Richmond Hill
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Iman Tajadod and Aqeel Assan-Lebbe, co-chairs of Richmond Hill's Youth Action Committee (YAC), delivered a presentation to Council outlining the group's recent accomplishments and upcoming event schedule. Along with Councillor Castro Liu we have been honoured to be assigned as the Council Liaisons with the Youth Action Committee.
YAC is an energetic and enthusiastic group of Richmond Hill residents in grades six to 12 who provide staff and Council with advice and input on programs and services for youth in the community. The presentation outlined the many events the committee has been involved with over the past year including hosting the Halloween Howl, participating in the Santa Claus Parade, as well as partnering with local young artists in Hill After Dark.
Council also proclaimed May 1 to 7 as Youth Week in Richmond Hill. In partnership with YAC, a number of fun and engaging activities are planned in celebration of Richmond Hill's youth. Activities include a computer workshop, Iron Chef and movie night, Cake Boss event, a kickboxing clinic, a video game clinic and more. The group also announced that they will be hosting the annual Future Leaders in YACtion (FLY) Leadership Conference on June 3 where students will get the chance to learn from the experiences and stories of renowned speakers with diverse backgrounds, including business, science and human studies.
7. Richmond Hill Grows Greener with Tree, Shrub Planting Programs
8. Nearly $1 Million Funding Support for Richmond Hill Canada 150 Projects
Recently Richmond Hill Member of Parliament Majid Jowhari joined Richmond  Hill Mayor
Dave Barrow and Members of Council to announce three grants totaling over $800,000 from the Government of Canada in support of the Town's Canada 150 initiatives. With this funding, Richmond Hill's street banners and utility boxes will be decorated with artwork representing the community and a significant portion of costs for the revitalization of Morgan Boyle Park will be covered (to learn more about the plans for this park click here). The funding will also contribute to Richmond Hill's Canada Day celebrations.
These grants will not only beautify our town, they will help us provide opportunities for the community to come together to celebrate Canada's 150 years of Confederation.
A grant of $15,000 from the Celebration and Commemoration Program - Canada 150 Fund will contribute to Richmond Hill's Canada 150 activities, including the Street Banner Contest, which invited residents to design and submit pieces of visual art based on the theme, "Past, Present and Future." The selected banners can be seen along Yonge Street between Major Mackenzie Drive and Crosby Avenue, as well as on
Richmond Hill's Facebook page
. This grant will also support the Richmond Hill Community Mural Project, which will feature murals painted on eight utility boxes throughout Richmond Hill. The submission deadline for artwork is July 27 and the completed mural boxes will be unveiled on September 30 as part of Culture Days.
A third federal grant from the Celebrate Canada Fund provides $15,000 toward Richmond Hill's Canada Day Celebrations at Richmond Green Park. Every year, thousands of people in Richmond Hill and the GTA come to Richmond Green to celebrate Canada's birthday with live entertainment, a teen zone, children's village, beer garden, food from around the world and the region's largest firework display.
9. Al Nadwa Islamic Centre's 3rd Annual York Region Appreciation Dinner & Awards
The evening's festivities honoured Emergency First Responders in York Region. Many community leaders and First Responders were recognized at this event.
Thanks to the staff at the Al Nadwa Islamic Centre for organizing this great event and for all the work they do in our community. Pictured to the left are Provincial Ministers Dr. Helena Jaczek and Dr. Reza Moridi with Iman Dr. Saeed R. Faizi Nadvi and General Secretary Aslam Badat from the Al Nadwa Islamic Centre.
10. Community Engagement Session - Mackenzie Health Update
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Mackenzie Health CEO Altaf Stationwala with Councillor David West |
Meeting Summary by Mackenzie Health - On Tuesday, April 25, 2017, Councillor David West and Altaf Stationwala, Mackenzie Health's President and CEO partnered to provide Richmond Hill Ward 4 residents with an update on the ongoing initiatives to improve the health care experience for patients and their families at the Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital, Mackenzie Health's Smart Hospital Vision and future evolution to a two-site hospital model, as well as a preview of Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital's interior and exterior design.
Serving the growing communities of Richmond Hill, Vaughan and King, Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital continues to experience high volumes of visits in the Emergency Department (ED). Every day, 250 to 320 patients are cared for in the ED, including 45 to 70 that are brought in by ambulances. Hospital overcrowding is a province-wide issue, but with less acute care bed capacity compared to peer hospitals and with our communities becoming urban areas, our local hospital is under even more pressure.
Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital continues to focus on providing excellent quality care to every patient, every time. This was recognized for a second consecutive year by Accreditation Canada, when it awarded Mackenzie Health Accreditation with Exemplary Standing, the highest level of accreditation which confirms the hospital's commitment to providing care that meets internationally recognized standards of quality and safety, and to improving practices through ongoing quality improvement.
A leader in healthcare innovation, Mackenzie Health also continues to develop new, state-of-the-art ways technologies that can improve the way staff and physicians do their work, and allow them to spend more time with the patients. As part of this endeavor, Mackenzie Health signed a $300 million, 18-year large scale contract with Philips, that will advance Mackenzie Health's medical technology procurement and maintenance programs for the existing Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital and the future Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital.
Upon completion in 2020, Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital will be the first hospital in Canada to feature fully integrated 'smart' technology systems and medical devices that speak directly to one another to maximize information exchange. The smart hospital vision will be applied at the existing Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital as well as the new Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, for a seamless care experience.
As part of this vision, Mackenzie Health partnered with Epic, a world leader in medical records and information technology, to develop a new and advanced Electronic Medical record (EMR) system that will make it possible to exchange information at the point of care, empowering patients with easy access to their health records and providing physicians with exactly what they need to make important health care decisions more quickly. And most recently, Mackenzie Health awarded a contract to Compugen, a Richmond Hill-based company, to provide and support an integrated technology platform to help build and implement its smart hospital vision. The partnership will also help create a number of new jobs to benefit the local community.
Following the formal presentation, community members had an opportunity to ask questions and have an engaging conversation with Councillor David West and Altaf Stationwala on topics such as the two-site hospital model and staffing at the two locations, parking and the design of the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital.
11.
Israeli Independence Day Celebrated in Richmond Hill
Yom Ha'atzmaut, or the 69th anniversary of the creation of the state of Israel was celebrated this week. We were honoured to share this occasion with
Deputy Consul General Irit Stopper and a number of
residents who came out to help raise the flag of Israel at the Town offices. The weather was not particularly co operative but according to Deputy
Council
General Stopper - it never rains in Israel on Yom Ha'atzmaut!
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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 newsletter section 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 applications described below or questions about an application that is not included here.
1. 44, 48,54 and 60 Arnold Cres.
As reported in the last e newsletter, this development application was appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), the hearing wrapped up in March and a decision from the OMB will be expected in the coming months.
2. 129, 133, 141 Arnold Cres and 230 Major Mackenzie Dr. W.
This property is owned by The Acorn Development Corporation. At this time the developer is working to complete an application for
redevelopment of this site
. I will be hosting a meeting for the neighbourhood residents as soon as any plans by the developer have been solidified. Presently 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.
3. Canyon Hill and Yonge St 10922, 10944 and 10956 Yonge St. & 47 and 59 Brookside Road and 12 and 24 Naughton Drive
The above properties are both located within the Key Development Area (KDA) located near Yonge St. and Bernard Dr. At the present time our Planning staff, along with many engaged citizens and stakeholders are working toward a Secondary Plan for the KD
A. The Secondary Plan
will help ensure that development in the area meets the standards of municipal and provincial policy such as Richmond Hill's Official Plan, York Region's Official Plan and Ontario's Growth Plan. Richmond Hill has contracted Urban Strategies Inc. to prepare the Planning Study and Yonge/Bernard Key Development Area Secondary Plan and Implementing Zoning By-law. To date we have held 2 different public input sessions related to the creation of a Secondary Plan for this area. Staff will report back to Council before the end of July 2017 on the study findings.
**NEW** The Preferred Option and Policy Direction Report for the KDA has been released and it is available for review by clicking
here. I would invite feedback related to this document from any interested person.
At the Council Public Meeting held on October 25th, 2016 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 two 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. All comments from this meeting were referred back to planning staff. Our planning staff will continue to work with the applicant so that a revised application can be brought to Council in the future.
5. 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 hosted a Residents' Meeting on Tuesday, February 28th where public input was heard. The next step in this process was a Council Public Meeting held on March 22nd. Several residents expressed their views related to the proposal. I am particularly concerned about the lack of parking in the plan and the height of the proposed building. Our Planning staff will take away all of these comments and continue the planning process. In the future a staff report will come to Council with a recommendation regarding the application.
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VIVAnext Construction Update
Construction continues on Yonge street toward building the Yonge. St Bus Rapidway. In an effort to communicate lane closures and resulting traffic delays Viva has been communicating news to residents through a number of channels. For the latest update please click
here. To receive construction updates visit
vivanext.com/subscribe
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Mackenzie Health - Strides for Stroke
Important Road Closure and Event Info for South Ward 4 Residents
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54th Richmond Hill Volunteer Achievement Awards
Richmond Hill recently honoured our Community volunteers at the 54th Volunteer Achievement Awards. So many important volunteers have been recognized over these last 54 years for the valuable contribution that they make and for enriching our community.
I had the pleasure of presenting the Citizen of the Year award to Marj Andre. Congratulations to  all recipients!
This Year's Recipients Included Enid Mills, Volunteer Achievement Award Recipient; Angela Xu, Youth Volunteer Achievement Award - Community Services Department; and Bud Newton, John Weir Memorial Accessibility Award in Partnership with the Richmond Hill Mobility Accessibility Foundation. Michèle Bussières also received a Volunteer Achievement Award, but was unable to attend the event.
To learn more about Richmond Hill's Volunteer Achievement Awards click
here
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Doors Open Richmond Hill
Every year, Doors Open Ontario attracts large crowds across Ontario. From April to October, residents and visitors are invited to discover first-hand Ontario's hidden heritage treasures, some of which have never been open to the public.
Since the program was launched in 2002, nearly seven million visits have been made to heritage sites participating in this exciting initiative. Doors Open Ontario, now considered a cultural phenomenon, will continue in 2017 with hundreds of communities participating across the province.
Ontario is celebrating the 150th anniversary of Confederation. It's a special moment in our history and a great opportunity for Ontarians to explore our past and imagine our future.
This year, Doors Open Ontario will showcase special MyOntario programming to explore a once-in-a-generation chance to share your stories, perspectives and traditions.
From historical houses to modern marvels of construction, Doors Open Ontario showcases the buildings, natural spaces, infrastructure and cultural landscapes that shape and define our communities.
So please mark Saturday, May 13 on your calendar. Visit
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Smart Commute - Bike To Work Day
Gear up for Bike to Work Day!
People often ask: what benefits does cycling have on my health and the environment? Cycling is a healthy, affordable and environmentally sustainable form of commuting and is available to nearly everyone. Replacing a few car trips with cycling can also yield significant health results. For example, choosing to cycle an 8 km round trip to work twice a week, results in burning 1,936 calories and 14,248 grams of CO2 emissions saved - just after one month!
Join Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill on Monday, May 29 for our 10th annual Bike to Work Day group ride, where approximately 100 cyclists will ride through the Commerce Valley/Beaver Creek business corridor in Markham and Richmond Hill to experience the benefits of cycling to work. The event will begin at 100 Commerce Valley Drive West and include
breakfast, bike safety checks, pre-ride stretching and warm up, and chances to win great prizes - including a new bike! Route details and information are available at www.smartcommutemrh.ca
R
egister by Friday, May 19 at
explore.smartcommute.ca/s/b2wd
to enter our early bird draw to win a Cineplex movie package for two! Registration closes on May 26 at noon.
Show your support for cycling during Bike Month (May 29 - June 30), and you could win more great prizes! For Bike Month contest details, visit bikemonth.ca/biketoworkday.
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Richmond Hill Lawn Bowling Club
The Richmond Hill Lawn Bowling club is celebrating 99 years this year. The Lawn Bowling Club welcomes beginning players to enjoy the game and meet some new friends all in a warm and friendly atmosphere where the emphasis is on having a good time. There are over 90 members now and growing, with frequent opportunities to play in the evenings, weekdays and on the weekend. Coaching is readily available if you wish.
The bowls are free for first year bowlers and the only equipment you need are flat soled shoes. Couples are welcome and many invite a friend to share the fun. Many of our members are newly retired or looking for a sport that they can share with one another without investing a lot of time in their day or at a high cost. Come and give it a try. You won't be disappointed.
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SESQUI is coming to Richmond Hill
In partnership with the province, through Ontario150, SESQUI announces its revolutionary immersive cinematic dome tour, with free screenings of the 360° film HORIZON. The dome will travel to six communities exclusively across Ontario from June to August, 2017.
The cutting edge cinematic dome will offer audiences of all ages a true 360° immersive experience of the 20-minute film HORIZON, with scenes shot in every province and territory, showcasing Canada's awe-inspiring landscapes, diversity of perspectives, artistic talents and the people that call Canada home. The film features over 380 on-screen performers and a soundtrack of both original and contemporary Canadian music.
Richmond Hill is the only municipality in York Region to be selected as a tour stop. More information is available on our website
https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/things-to-do/canada-150.aspx
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Mill Pond Splash and Kids' Run for Nature
Again this year I am proud to serve on the organizing committee for the Mill Pond Splash. A number of organizations led by the Toronto Region Conservation Authority and with support from the Town of Richmond Hill, would like to invite you to bring the whole family for hands-on environmental activities and general eco-fun! As a part of the Splash and for the second year we will also be including the Kids Run for Nature which raises money and awareness of the great work that the World Wildlife Federation does for endangered wildlife around the world. For information on the Run visit
www.kidsrunfornature.ca.
The Mill Pond Splash features something for everyone, including a park greening event, children's nature activities, wildlife demonstrations, environmental displays, music, entertainment and refreshments. Bike valet will also be available, free of charge, to park and safely store your bikes during the event.
For more information, visit
or
For a report and photos of past Mill Pond Splashes click
here, or
here
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Emergency Preparedness Week
It seems like a distant memory, but in late December 2013 Richmond Hill experienced a major ice storm that knocked out power for several days to many homes in our community. It is unexpected disasters like this that emphasize the need for us to be prepared for disasters that can, and will happen in any community. Having the right supplies and a plan to deal with an emergency will help citizens better manage a situation and recover from the event more quickly. On the Town's website at
https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/our-services/Emergency-Preparedness-Guide.aspx resources can be found to keep your family prepared for an emergency. On this site you will find a great deal of information about what is needed in a family's 72 hour emergency kit including a list for your pet's 72 hour emergency kit.
The week of May 7th to 13th is Emergency Preparedness Week and during this week our Fire and Emergency Services will he hosting a community display in various locations throughout the Town to inform people how they can be prepared should a disaster occur. There will be an Emergency Preparedness Booth at the Elgin West Community Centre on May 8th from 5PM to 8PM. I would encourage everyone to drop by to talk to our Fire Fighters.
 PS. The jujubes are not actually a part of what you need in a 72 Hour Emergency Kit, but nevertheless they are a delicious part of any day.
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The Richmond Hill Youth Action Committee
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Great Things To See And Do Around Town
Looking for interesting things to do this month in our Community? Look no further - below is a listing of various community events that I would like to promote on behalf of the various organizers. For a complete listing please click on the links below. These links will take you to my website where the full details of the listing for each event can be found.
1. Growing with Canada - As Canada celebrates the 150th anniversary of Confederation, let's look at how Richmond Hill has grown up. Exhibit runs from February 25 - December 19, 2017 at the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre. For more information click here.
2. Hill House Hospice - Hike for Hospice
Join in the fun for the 15th Anniversary Hike for Hospice. Rain or shine
the event takes place on Sunday May 7, 2017. Click here for more information.
3. Hands and Hearts for Africa Concert Fundraiser for the Stephen Lewis Foundation
This is the Richmond Hill United Church's joint venture with GranAurora. Click here for more information.
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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
[email protected] to be in next month's e-newsletter!
Ward 4's famous Donald Trump Duck with his significant other
Photographer Jane Langille
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