David West  
Richmond Hill Ward 4 Councillor 
Monthly Newsletter 

July 2017
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

Like Me on Facebook
  

 click this link

 

Follow Me on Twitter
 


 

My Bio




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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Happy Canada 150 Day and an Invitation to Celebrate with Us!

The excitement is building in Richmond Hill and the rest of the country. You are only 150 years old once, and given the Canada Day Celebrations planned for Richmond Green on July 1st, our country's milestone birthday will be celebrated well in Richmond Hill. On July 1st, as usual,  Richmond Green will be the place to be in York Region for residents to come together to celebrate all that is great about our country. 

What is different this year is the scale and variety offered in our Canada Day event. The party will be bigger and better than it has been in the past. For complete details about the Richmond Hill Canada Day celebrations visit https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/things-to-do/canada-day.aspx .
I hope that you will join us!
 
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.

Sincerely,
David West 
Ward 4 Councillor Richmond Hill


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Council News and Highlights
  
1. Climatewise Business Network 
 
Former Toronto Mayor David Miller
I had the pleasure of attending the Climatewise Business Network Event on May 31st. The keynote speaker was former Toronto Mayor David Miller. His keynote address entitled Yes We Can - Yes We Must, talked about the importance of cities in impacting Climate Change. He delivered a message of hope that municipalities and businesses can make a huge difference.

Over 75% of Greenhouse Gas Emissions come from cities. Mr. Miller mentioned some of the environmental initiatives that Richmond Hill has been taking - especially our award winning Sustainability Metrics that we put in place with Vaughan and Brampton. He also talked about how businesses are increasingly going green - its the right thing to do, it often increases a bottom line, and it also reinforces a brand trust.

2.  Hibar Systems Limited

With Deputy Mayor Vito Spatafora, Hibar President and CEO Iain McColl and Ward 5 Councillor Karen Cilevitz  
  On June 12th I had an opportunity to tour Hibar Systems Limited. Hibar is an award winning company that manufactures automation systems for manufacturing plants and they do all this right here in Richmond Hill. One of the products for which they are known worldwide is precision pumps for battery manufacturing, pharmaceutical and other industries. They export almost all of their products to many different countries. They have won several awards including a Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Award in 2014. Thanks Hibar for being a leader in our vibrant Richmond Hill Business community!

3.  Richmond Hill Receives Funding for Watermain Projects on  Trench Street and Laverock Avenue
Council announced that Richmond Hill has been awarded $1,456,650 from the Federal Clean Water and Wastewater Fund. The funding will be used towards upcoming watermain replacement projects on Trench Street, Laverock Avenue and Kersey Crescent. The Clean Water and Wastewater Fund is a Federal fund that provides municipalities with vital infrastructure funding to support the rehabilitation and modernization of drinking water systems, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure and the planning and design of future facilities and upgrades to existing systems. Richmond Hill applies for grant funding opportunities from the federal and provincial governments and other funding organizations to help pay for projects that improve our community, including infrastructure renewal projects. Since 2007, Richmond Hill has received approximately $32.6 million in grants and since 2005, we have received $41.6 million in federal gas tax funds.


4.  Clean Air Council Summit
Richmond Hill was well represented at the Clean Air Summit that took place at Toronto City Hall. I attended, along with Deputy Mayor Vito Spatafora and Councillor Karen Cilevitz. We heard about actions from several municipalities (Councillor Spatafora presented our environmental efforts to the attendees) to address issues related to Clean Air and Green House Gas Emissions. Many excellent presentations and a great deal of information was shared with the goal of making our GTA cities more environmentally sustainable and livable. Ontario Environment and Climate Change Minister Glen Murray was one of the speakers.

5. Richmond Hill Continues to Enhance Pedestrian Safety in the Community
I am pleased to announce that Council approved new traffic and pedestrian safety measures around St. Theresa of Lisieux Catholic High School at Shaftsbury Avenue and Casa Grande Street. I have been working with our traffic engineering staff, the school Parent Council, and school administration for several years to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety in this area. Staff conducted a comprehensive traffic and safety review between Bathurst Street and Larratt Lane and recommended several measures to improve pedestrian safety and traffic conditions. A pedestrian crossover and flashing lights will be installed on Shaftsbury Avenue to increase safety and improve pedestrian crossing opportunities in the vicinity of the school. The Town will be working in conjuction with the York Region Catholic District School Board to implement the new measures and school access improvements to ensure a safe environment for students and parents.

6. Richmond Hill Welcomes Community Investments
Richmond Hill is continually faced with financial pressures and budgetary constraints and, like other municipalities, is pursuing opportunities to generate new revenue sources, including sponsorship associated with naming an asset for a fixed period of time. For this reason, Council approved the new Naming Rights Policy outlining guidelines for such proposals to cover the costs for maintaining community parks and recreation and culture facilities. The policy was developed to maximize revenue-generating opportunities, establish and guide relationships with potential partners who share the Town's commitment to providing the highest quality civic environment and ensure the benefits to the Town and community are fair, balanced and equitable.

7. Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts Continues to Shine

Photo courtesy of Town of Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts has been bringing world class entertainment to Richmond Hill since its doors opened on February 28, 2009. The theatre has grown to present 37 performances a year on the main stage, Suite Thursdays and On!Stage, served as a venue for close to 300 community events (2016) and welcomed artists including Boyz II Men, Jackie Richardson, Veterans of SNL, Art Garfunkel and many more. Its education series program is rapidly gaining popularity with young performers through afterschool, P.A. Day and school holiday camp programs. The 2017/2018 season was launched in May and will celebrate Canada 150 with 78 per cent of shows featuring Canadian artists.

8.  Richmond Hill Art School By Woodland Artists
It was inspiring to visit Richmond Hill Art School's art show earlier this month. The Art Show showcased some very talented young people and a wide array of different forms and genres of visual art! Thanks to owner Natasha Tolub for the invitation.
















9. Richmond Hill 
Presbyterian Church turns 200 Years Old

Jim and David enjoying strawberries and ice cream to celebrate 200 years
It was a real pleasure earlier this month to attend a celebration at the Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church. The Richmond Hill Historical Society dedicated a bench and presented an award to the congregation of the church to honour their 200 year milestone as a congregation. Thanks to Councillor Hogg for bringing greetings from council and thanks to the Historical Society for hosting this event. The Presbyterian Church and all the churches on Yonge Street have provided an important part of the social fabric in our community while also providing beautiful landmarks that continue to grace our Village Core skyline.

Councillor Hogg and Historical Society President Andrea dedicating the bench and plaque in the historic Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church Cemetary.

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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 david.west@richmondhill.ca 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. 
For more up to date information on the Yonge/Bernard KDA project, please visit the study webpage at  http://www.richmondhill.ca/bernardKDA.

**NEW** On Tuesday July 4th Committee of the Whole will consider a report related to the Yonge Bernard Key Development Area Study. Anyone wishing to comment to Council on this report should sign up with the Clerk as a delegate at the July 4th meeting, or alternatively write down your thoughts in an email and send it to the Clerk so Council will consider this input. The Clerk can be reached by email at stephen.huycke@richmondhill.ca. When it becomes available later this week, t he Preferred Option staff report can be viewed on the Richmond Hill website by clicking here.

4. 100 Mill St.
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 in February, where public input was gathered. The next step in this process was a Council Public Meeting held in March. 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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Strategic Plan Annual Report 2017
A Plan for People, A Plan for Change

The Annual Strategic Plan Report concludes with a summary of what has been accomplished to realize the goals of the Strategic Plan.

A few of the highlights from the Phase Three Implementation include:

* Approval of the Civic Precinct Project which, guided by the Civic Precinct Task Force, will transform Town-owned lands at Yonge Street and Major Mackenzie Drive into a vibrant all-season community space that will include an expanded Central Library, amphitheatre, skating rink/reflecting pool, public square and new municipal offices.
* Completion of the David Dunlap Observatory Park Master Plan, guided by the People Plan Task Force, that sets a vision and guidelines for the creation of a destination park that will preserve, enhance and celebrate the historic and natural importance of the site.
* Launching of our new Town Website, redesigned to be fully accessible and to provide residents with easier access to the information they need and more innovative ways for the public to connect with the Town, including an interactive calendar that allows visitors to the site to see all events, public outreach, community led activities and Council calendar information in the same place.
* Continued advocacy on topics impacting the Town including transit, infrastructure funding and planning.
* Ongoing commitment to exceptional public service through service improvement initiatives for Access Richmond Hill, Recreation, Culture and Event Services and Development Services.
* Implementation of our plans and strategies including the Accessibility Plan, Cultural Plan, Environment Strategy, Parks Plan and Recreation Plan.
* Updating of our Economic Development Strategy 2010-2020, providing the Town
with a current roadmap for economic development in Richmond Hill for the next
five years.

To view the Strategic Plan Annual Report 2017 click here.

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Ward 4 BBQ and Monarch Butterfly Festival 
Save the Date 
 
The 4th Annual Ward 4 BBQ will take place on Tuesday, August 29th, 2017. We welcome all residents to attend for a fun time, some community fellowship, and a free burger. This year we will be adding a Monarch Butterfly demonstration and release to the list of events. As always, we have lots of fun activities for families and kids. The event will take place at Larratt Lea Park, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Stay tuned for more details in next month's e newsletter.

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Richmond Hill Heritage Grant Program

Owners of designated heritage properties are invited to apply for the 2017 Heritage Grant Fund. The 2017 program has reserved $30,000 toward heritage restoration projects. Owners of designated heritage properties are encouraged to apply for a grant of up to 50% of the total cost of eligible restoration work, to a maximum of $5,000 per project. Grants are reviewed on a first-come-first-served basis.
 
Applications will be accepted from June 9th to July 7th, 2017.  
 
For full eligibility criteria and an application form, please visit RichmondHill.ca/UrbanDesign or contact Isa James, Urban Designer/Heritage Planner at isa.james@richmondhill.caor at 905-771-5529.
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Mayor's Monarch Pledge Update
 
There have been a number of sitings of Monarch butterflies in York Region lately. These butterflies are the children of the ones that left our area last fall. Their parents would have overwintered in Mexico, and left in the spring to lay eggs in the southern USA. Their offspring are now living in Richmond Hill and beyond. It has been reported that the winter migration went well and that we can hopefully see some recovery in the number of Monarch Butterflies in our area this summer.

Richmond Hill signed the Mayor's Monarch Pldge last year. This pedge  commits Richmond Hill  to take 9 concrete steps to help this iconic species. The efforts of Richmond Hill and the other 5 Canadian Signatories of the Pledge will make a difference. I am pleased that The Region of York has signed the pledge ( https://www.yorkregion.com/community-story/7342430-york-flies-high-as-canada-s-1st-monarch-butterfly-friendly-region/) and it is my understanding that Richmond Hill's leadership played a role in this decision. I have reached out to Vaughan and Aurora and encouraged them to sign on to the pledge. I am also pleased that Markham is a recent signatory of this pledge.
 
Below is a video explaining what you can do to help pollinators and Monarch Butterflies. A good part of this video was shot during the Mayor's Monarch Pledge Conference I attended in March. To view the video visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP7XC7hO-qo&feature=youtu.be
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Hidden Springs Parkette Construction Notice

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Neighbourhood Watch

We generally enjoy a peaceful community with a statistically low crime rate in Richmond Hill. In partnership with community groups and the York Region Police, there are programs available to ensure that this situation remains.

Neighbourhood Watch is such a program. It is designed to reduce and prevent crime through the active participation of citizens in crime prevention. It involves working with neighbours with the support of the York Regional Police to prevent crime - before it starts. 

If you would like to learn more about Neighbourhood Watch and/or would like to start a group please visit http://www.yrp.ca/en/community/neighbourhood-watch.asp or email me at david.west@richmondhill.ca


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Richmond Hill Blooms 2017
 
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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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Coming up Roses in Richmond Hill
 
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Ric hmond Hill Farmers Market
 
 
Something for everyone...
 
 
 
 
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Mill Pond Splash 2017 and Kids Run For Nature
Sunday June 4 - Mill Pond Park


Free Sugar Maple Trees for attendees
 The weather was not great for this year's Mill Pond Splash but despite this, we still had a good turnout. As always at the Splash, there was a lot of great information and activities to enjoy centred around our environment.  

Did you know the Don River, the Humber River, and the Rouge River all start in Richmond Hill. 

Water is such an important part of our environment, and as such, in Richmond Hill, we have a special responsibility to protect these important watersheds. The Mill Pond Splash is all about celebrating and keeping our environment healthy for today and for the future.

Thanks to all that helped us put this event on - especially our friends at the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) for spearheading the event - See you at the Splash next year for the 20th anniversary edition!


WWF furry friend
 
David with a Canada 150 Maple Sapling - an investment in the future
Honey for sale on one side of the street

 
 
Maple Syrup for sale on the other side of the street
All "a buzz"


Taking a close look at the fish life in the Don River




 

 


A wolf Pup on display.

 

 

Kids Run for Nature

They're off

 

At the finish line

 

Artist at Work

 

 

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Connecting the Community
Heart and Stroke Big Bike Ride

















Connecting the Community's Heart and Stroke Big Bike Team rode earlier this month. Most importantly our team raised over $18,000 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Thanks to all the team and especially to our fearless leader Marj! Apparently this was the highest amount raised by any team in York Region! Heart Disease and Stroke directly, or indirectly, impact everyone in our community. Thanks to the Heart and Stoke Foundation for allowing our community members to be a part of the the solution to Heart Disease and Stroke.
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Cordave Parkette - Carrington Drive


I am pleased that the redevelopment of Cordave Parkette located on Carrington Drive, north of Major Mackenzie Drive West and east of Bathurst Street has been completed and is open for residents to enjoy. The park improvements include new junior and senior playgrounds, swings, sandbox, basketball net, tricycle track, site furnishings and planting.
 
A Cloud theme is reflected in the park design by the use of blue and white for the park elements and a cloud shaped entry feature.  
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Concerts in the Park
Presented by Tim Hortons

The concerts take place Thursday evenings in July and August at Mill Pond Park
 (Mill Street and Trench Street).  Click here for more information.

Photo - Town of Richmond Hill

Mill Pond Park - Thursdays, 7 - 9 p.m.
  
July 6 July 13 July 20 July 27
Beach Boys Tribute Dream Girls Richmond Hill Has Talent Madonna/Gaga/Adele (Material Girls)
  
August 3 August 10 August 17  August 24
Michael Jackson Tribute Good Brothers British Legends
Tom Jones/
Neil Diamond Tribute

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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.


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.
 







 

 
R ichmond Hill Farmers Market
Open Sundays June 18 - October 1st Elgin Barrow Arena.
Click here for more information.

 
 



 

 

Let's Celebrate Seniors' Month

Click here for more information.
 



 

 

 

First Fridays in Richmond Hill

On the first Friday of each month from June until October from 5-9PM take a walk on Yonge Street in our Village Core to enjoy a wonderful collaboration of Art and Business. Watch for the balloons to determine the location. 
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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!

Photos courtesy of Ward 4 Resident Chris Kingdon  

American Toad calling in the evening in a pond near Gamble Road. They mate the first week of May every year.  

A Monarch Butterfly drinks from some purple aster flowers

Some mallards and a Canada Goose enjoy an evening at Mill Pond
 
A baby mallard quacks while snuggling with it's siblings and mum at Mill Pond