 |
A Fall Walk in the Park in Richmond Hill
I can think of no better time of year to enjoy one our many beautiful parks and trails in Ward 4. One of these parks, Autumn Grove Park, was in a beautiful fall state this past weekend. This park (located on Tower Hill Road between Yonge and Bathurst) is a trail head for the
Saigeon Trail, a system of walking and biking trails that extends from Jefferson Sideroad to Gamble Road. If you are looking for a great fall walk in the coming weeks I would suggest this route. The trail connects a few parks but it also follows a valley that is secluded in many places from any sign of our urban environment.
For more information on our parks and trails click
here
.
As always there is a lot going on in our Town. Below in this e newsletter I have outlined some of the
activities that are of particular interest.
I always appreciate hearing your comments about any issue in our community. 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.
Sincerely,
David West
Ward 4 Councillor Richmond Hill
Banner Photo - Autumn Grove Park in Autumn
|
 |
|
Council News and Highlights
1. Richmond Hill Blooms Awards 2017
The 3rd Annual Richmond Hill Blooms Gala was held on Thursday, September 14 at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. Awards were presented to the first, second and third place winners in each ward, and new this year, one award was presented for the "Best Canadian Themed Garden" in each ward. Congratulations to the winners, and to all the Ward 4 residents whose gardens were nominated and thank you for taking pride in our community.
|
|
| 1st Place - 71 Arnold Crescent |
|
|
| 2nd Place - 7 Keble Court |
|
|
3rd Place - 103 Arnold Crescent
|
|
|
Best Canadian Themed Garden
115 Arnold Crescent |
2. Richmond Hill Fire & Emergency Services Awards and Recruit Graduation
It takes many groups and individuals to build and maintain a vibrant and safe community. On September 28th we honoured one of those groups, Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services (RHFES). Richmond Hill welcomed 11 new recruits, and honoured some of the existing RHFES staff with long service medals.
I would like to extend a welcome to our new recruits, as these brave young men and women begin their service to our community. Also, thanks to all of our firefighters for all you have done, and continue to do for Richmond Hill!
3. Another Successful Bike Valet Season!
 Thank you to all who took advantage of Richmond Hill's free bike valet service at this summer's Concerts in the Park series. With help from our Blue Dot Richmond Hill, Bike Valet ambassadors and student volunteers, local cyclists had their ride stowed safely with our bike valet service! Not only does cycling reduce traffic and parking congestion at these events, it's also a great way to enjoy the day and stay active.
To learn more about cycling in Richmond Hill, visit
RichmondHill.ca/BikeRH
.
4. Chinese National Day
On Sunday October 1st, Richmond Hill celebrated Chinese National Day. 68 Years ago the People's Republic of China was formed. We were honoured to have a visit from Chinese Consul General He Wei. A flag raising, entertainment, and many cultural performances rounded out this well attended event celebrating our community's diversity.
5. Caribbean North Family Day - Sunday October 1
Caribbean North Family Day was a great success. The celebrations were c
entered
around the culture of the Caribbean and raising money for hurricane relief in a number of Caribbean countries. This event also represented one of many Canada 150 celebrations in our community this year.
6. OMB Overrules Council and Approves Highest building in Richmond Hill
7. Happy 200th Birthday!
 Happy 200th Birthday to the congregation of the Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church. The congregation has a long and storied history, that in many ways reflects and parallels the rich history of our community as a whole. In the early days of the congregation the church's first Minister, Reverend Jenkins, delivered his service in the woods before a church building was even built. At the same time he would ride his horse from Oakville to Oshawa and from Lake Ontario to Lake Simcoe promoting the formation of congregations in various communities and preaching the gospel.
200 years of serving the needs of our community is certainly cause for a celebration. It was also great to see ministers and religious leaders from other congregations in Town out to support and celebrate with all of us!
8. Richmond Hill Moon Festival
We have so many festivals to celebrate in Richmond Hill. On Wednesday, October 4 we joined together to celebrate the Moon Festival. This event was hosted by Daisy Wai. It was great to be invited to share in this celebration.
|
|
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.
This development application was appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) by the applicant. The hearing wrapped up in March and a decision from the OMB will be expected soon.
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 in the later stages of completing an application for
redevelopment of this site
. I will host a meeting for the neighbourhood residents as soon as any plans by the developer have been finalized and an application has been submitted to our Planning Staff. I have been informed that this meeting may happen as early as this fall. Please stay tuned to this e newsletter for more information as it 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 continuing to work toward the creation of 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 two public input sessions as well as a Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting related to the creation of a Secondary Plan for this area.
In early July Council considered and endorsed the Key Findings Report and the related traffic and transportation study for the area. Our Planning Staff will now take all input from Council and the public related to these plans, and begin work on the final Secondary Plan for the KDA. This Secondary Plan, when ready, will be presented at a future Council Public Meeting where the public will again be invited to provide comment.
**NEW** The draft of the Secondary Plan and zoning bylaw for the KDA lands is now available. This information is posted on the website listed below. There is also a Council Public Meeting scheduled on Wednesday November 1st, 2017 in the Council Chambers at 225 East Beaver Creek Rd.. This meeting will be another opportunity for the public to provide comments to Council and to our Planning Staff related to the future of the KDA. I would encourage residents to attend this meeting and feel welcome to provide input.
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 applied 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.
The applicant recently provided to our Planning Staff, a resubmission in response to comments made by staff and the public. The resubmission was received on August 1, 2017, and appears to address some of the concerns regarding the original submission. Staff is currently in the process of reviewing the new submission material and will continue working with the applicant, providing any further input as required.
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.
One of the notable features of this property is the listed heritage building that exists on the property. Before any development permissions that would include the removal of a heritage listed building would be granted, it is a requirement that the heritage listed property be assessed by our Heritage Planning Staff. This assessment would then include a recommendation by staff to either allow the building to be demolished, or a recommendation to designate the building under the Planning Act as a Heritage building. Designation under the Planning Act would negate any possibility of demolishing the building.
On September 12th, 2017 the Heritage Richmond Hill Committee (HRH) considered
a staff report, and endorsed a recommendation from our Heritage Planning staff that the house be designated and not allowed to be removed. This recommendation will need to be passed by Council at a future Council Meeting. This is a significant step, because if the existing Heritage building is designated, the original proposal submitted by the applicant will not be possible. However, a proposal that works to incorporate the existing building into a redevelopment may be possible.
I will keep residents informed of next steps and the date for a future Council meeting related to this application when it becomes available. Click
here for a link to the HRH staff report.
|
|
|
NOTICE OF CONSTRUCTION
WATERMAIN REPLACEMENT
Work has commenced on Trench Street from Major Mackenzie Drive to Mill Street; Laverock Avenue from west limit cul-de-sac to Lucas Street. This work will entail waterman replacement.
_______________________________________
______________________________________
|
|
Coming Soon - An Improved Elgin Mills Greenway!
For the past year the Richmond Hill Natural Environment and Engineering staff have been working to address the serious erosion issues in this valley. Storm events and high-flowing water have caused damage in the Elgin Mills Greenway. As a result, we're reconstructing the area to include modern stormwater infrastructure that will help prevent flooding, control erosion and improve water quality. We're also building new trails, lookout structures and a boardwalk for the community to enjoy!
Work is expected to begin in the coming months and is expected to be complete in spring 2019.
|
|
|
Terry Fox Runs in Richmond Hill
We are lucky in Richmond Hill to have two Terry Fox Runs each year. One organized by the Rotary Club at the Mill Pond, and one in Oak Ridges organized by Glemena Bettencourt.
I was noticing this year, more than ever, the legacy of Terry Fox. People from across generations recognize his heroism and courage and come out to participate in our Terry Fox events as a way to honour his legacy.
Many participants wore t shirts from past Terry Fox Rums and I think the messages on those t- shirts pictured below, some vintage, some new, tell this story very nicely. Congratulations to the participants and thanks to the organizers for their important work.
 
|
|
|
Making Progress Greening the Hill
October Issue -Richmond Hill Post
David West - Richmond Hill Ward 4 Councillor
Living in a healthy environment is a foundation for all life on this planet. It is also the foundation to creating a vibrant urban environment for our species. While balancing a developing urban municipality and a healthy natural environment can often provide challenges, in Richmond Hill we are willing to meet these challenges head on.
I have always valued Richmond Hill's environmental stewardship efforts. Thanks to our careful planning, Richmond Hill has been blessed with an abundance of parks and green spaces. It is our responsibility to protect and enhance these green spaces for the future.
In 2014 Council passed our environment strategy aptly named Greening the Hill: Our Community, Our Future. This important document commits our community to an environmentally sustainable future through specific action items. For example, Council was recently able to acquire a parcel of land at 71 Regent Street to expand our already beautiful Mill Pond Park.
Last year, with the help of community volunteers, we planted over 10,000 native trees, plants, and shrubs. We were also able to naturalize over 8 acres of municipal land, we removed over 145 bags of invasive plant species, and despite the terrible carnage that the Emerald Ash Borer has let loose on our Urban forests, we were still able to increase our urban forest canopy by 4.6% since 2010.
One of the many natural jewels of our Town, Lake Wilcox, is becoming healthier with the implementation of the Lake Wilcox Remediation Strategy. Likewise, work continues to be done to improve other important waterways in our community. We will soon be embarking on improvements to the storm pond component of the Elgin Mills Greenway, and we have already won a number of environmental awards with our recently completed Rumble Pond Stormwater Management Pond. Careful stewardship of our water resources will be crucial to our community's overall environmental health so it necessitates our attention.
Council also recently passed the Mayor's Monarch Pledge, which commits our municipality to a number of concrete actions that help protect Monarch Butterflies and other pollinator species. Richmond Hill is still one of the few Canadian municipalities that have signed this pledge. Given the number of Monarch Butterflies that we have had the pleasure of seeing this year I would like to think that efforts like ours, multiplied all across North America, are playing a part in bringing this species back from the brink of extinction.
Helping to instill a culture of environmental responsibility in our community has been achieved by our staff hosting over 130 educational outreach events for residents of all ages. The result - we have not had to do this work alone. We have had the help of an army of volunteers that have passionately gone about the work of making their home community better for themselves and future generations.
There is always more work to do, but if the past is an indicator of the future, we are on course to making Richmond Hill an even greener place to live!
To view this article online click
here
|
|
|
Environmental Assessment underway for
Mill Pond Park
Mill Pond has a rich history in the Town of Richmond Hill and has served many uses for nearly 170 years:
- It was constructed prior to 1848 as a power supply for local mills.
- In 1921, a water supply connection was added to the pond, which was in use until the 1960s.
- In the 1970s, the surrounding area was officially designated as a municipal park.
- Since its construction, it has acted as a stormwater management facility by capturing thousands of cubic meters of pollutant-laden sediment and preventing it from entering waterways downstream.
To ensure the continued health and proper function of Mill Pond Park, Richmond Hill has begun a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA). Through this process, the Town will learn about the current state of the park's stormwater infrastructure and natural features, and about options for improving them, so that residents can enjoy this local gem for years to come!
|
|
Some Richmond Hill Environment News
Learn How to Save Your Seeds!
When:
Saturday, October 21, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Where: Richmond Hill Central Library
Fall is the perfect time to start preparing for next year's garden. Join Evergreen for a FREE hands-on workshop that will teach you how to harvest seeds from your own vegetables to use in next year's garden!
To sign up, or for more information, please contact Nura Mazloom, Project Coordinator at 416-596-1495 or by email at
[email protected].
Create a Backyard Oasis!
$150 - $220 will get you:
-a 30-minute consultation with an arborist,
-a 5 to 8-foot deciduous tall tree OR 2 to 4-foot tall evergreen tree
-full planting service, mulch and care guide
V
isit
yourleaf.org
or call 1-888-453-6504 for more information.
Make your home more energy-efficient by following these helpful tips:
- Switch to LED or Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) lights and light fixtures.
- Install an advanced power bar to reduce energy used by devices on stand-by mode - like cable boxes, computers and gaming systems.
- Use Energy Star certified appliances and electronics
- Use weather-stripping on windows and doors to improve temperature consistency throughout your home.
- Change furnace filters regularly.
- Use cold water for full loads of laundry
- Reduce heating costs by installing a smart programmable thermostat.
- Wrap your electric water heater with an insulating blanket to reduce heat loss.
Visit
greenon.ca to learn more about reducing energy use and to find out about incentive programs available in your area.
|
|
|
The Secret Path
Walking Toward Reconciliation
A small group of Richmond Hill residents including
Joel Clements,
Marj Andre,
Suzanne Smoke and myself are organizing a Screening of the Secret Path on October 22nd at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. The Secret Path is
a film by Tragically Hip frontman, Gord Downie about the true story of Chanie Wenjack and Canada's Residential Schools.
The evening will include the Secret Path screening, a panel discussion, and keynote talk about the Indigenous Residential School issue in Canada. As we look forward to our next 150 years as a nation, reconciliation with our Indigenous Community will be crucial. Conversations like this will lead the way to a more vibrant future for all of us in country - Canada.
An article on this event appeared in the July 25th edition of Liberal newspaper. To view it click
here.
|
|
|
Arts Mackenzie Information Night
Save the date! Learn about Arts Mackenzie program, opportunities, and the academic benefits of a focused, arts based high school education at Alexander Mackenzie High School. The information session for perspective students and their parents will be held on October 25th, 7 p.m. at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.
|
|
Fire Prevention Week * October 8 - 14
This event is past but it is still an important reminder to "Plan 2 Ways Out" and make sure you have a working smoke detectors in every level of your home!
|
|
|
Richmond Hill 15th Annual Studio Tour
To view the complete tour brochure, including contact information for the artists click
here.
This past weekend residents of Richmond Hill (and beyond) were treated to the art of a wide variety of local artists during the 15th Annual Studio Tour. A number of different art mediums were represented and works carefully crafted by a group of very talented artists living in our community.
To be an artist is a courageous endeavour. To put your heart and soul into your art and then share it with the public is an act of bravery. I wanted to share portraits of some of the awesome artists that exhibited in Ward 4. The Town of Richmond Hill has been very supportive of "the arts" and these artists have demonstrated, in their beautiful work, why this was a worthwhile endeavour. Thanks to all of our artists for sharing your passion with us.
From left to right top row to bottom - Amber Higgins, Sarah Hall, Mary Espinosa, Caterina Liberatore, Sue Foerster, Vladimir Lopatin, Phil Shepherd, Elaine Roach, Irit Brodsky, Yvette Daou-Yacoub, Josephine Sherman, Gregory Swain, Ale Groen, Ian Kochberg, Victor Molev, Alice Chik, Sharon Kirsh, Karen Pasieka.
|
|
|
Village of Richmond Hill
Business Improvement Area (B.I.A.)
Cafe and Restaurant Map
To view the map of Restaurants, Cafes & Bars
|
|
|
Recycling Textiles in Richmond Hill
Like a number of other GTA municipalities, Richmond Hill has begun a process to determine how we can better promote recycling and reuse of textiles. Each year, on average, each of us disposes of 70lbs of fabric and 85% of this material ends up in a landfiill site. Over the years Richmond Hill has reduced the amount of material we send to landfill but the diversion of textiles has not yet been adequately addressed.
I expect that a motion introduced to Council by Councillor Hogg will achieve this goal while also helping to regulate recycling deposit boxes that are too frequently erected on private and Town property and end up not being adequately maintained.
As such these roadside boxes are too often left in a messy state and end up being removed by the municipality (at a cost to taxpayers)
Below is the Motion put forward by Local and Regional Councillor Brenda Hogg and seconded by myself.
Member Motion
Subject/Title: Textile Recycling Program - Support for a Richmond Hill Textile Recycling Strategy and Program Submitted by: Regional and Local Councillor Hogg
Whereas it is estimated that the average Canadian discards approximately 70 lbs. of clothing, shoes, and other household textiles each year; Whereas only about 15% of unwanted household textiles is currently donated for reuse and recycling with 85% ending up in the curbside waste stream and landfills;
Whereas one of the only available donation options for residents of Richmond Hill is through for-profit textile donation bins often placed without permission throughout Richmond Hill on both public and private property;
Whereas these for-profit clothing donation bins are a growing property standards issue across the municipality encouraging illegal dumping and complaints from both residents and businesses;
and Whereas many municipalities are requiring the licensing of textile donation containers, and partnering with legitimate charities to offer an alternative donation and recycling model for their residents;
Therefore Be It Resolved that Council supports the development of a textile recycling program for the Town of Richmond Hill and, Be It Further Resolved that Council requests all relevant staff departments to coordinate and draft a plan to support this program and that the draft plan be brought to a Committee of the Whole meeting in Q1 2018 and,
Be It Further Resolved that Council request the Town's By-law Division to report back to Committee of the Whole with a draft by-law to manage textile recycling containers within the Town of Richmond Hill.
Moved by: Regional and Local Councillor Hogg
Seconded by: Councillor West
|
|
|
Richmond Hill Sports Hall of Fame 2017 Inductees
The Richmond Hill Sports Hall of Fame recently inducted a new set of deserving
athletes, teams, trainers, coaches, sponsors, supporters and sports builders who have shaped the sports community in Richmond Hill.
|
|
| Some of the 2017 Inductees |
|
|
RH Resident and inductee Emanuel Sandhu
|
|
|
Emcee and Richmond Hill's own
Elvis Stojko |
You can visit the Hall of Fame in person at the upper level of the Elgin Barrow Arena or find out more about our Hall of Fame by clicking
here
|
|
|
Arts Awards Richmond Hill
The Richmond Hill Arts Awards profile cultural success stories by recognizing artistic talent and community contribution to the arts sector in Richmond Hill.
Nominations are due December 7, 2017 by 4 p.m.
|
|
|
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.
G
rowing 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
Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra - Diamond Music
October 28, 2017 * 8:00 p.m.
Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts
Our gift of the 10th anniversary "diamond" is couched in concert of significant works that connect with the number "10" selected repertoire performed on our first concert of our first season, and a few fan favourites, including "Rhapsody in Blue" by Gershwin, "The Moldau"by Smetana and Karl Jenkins' "Diamond Music" among an inspiring program of charming works that span the eras and globe. With a few surprises up our sleeve, this delightful concert will bring back memories of the special moments we have enjoyed with our audiences since the inception of the RHPO ten years ago.
Click here for more information.
New Horizons Band of York Region
It's never too late - Learn music, make friends, have fun with active adults. Classes Mondays September - May...click
here to learn more.
Notes &
Qu
otes
The Richmond Hill Concert Band and Richmond Hill Historical Society, we would like to extend a special invitation to join us for an entertaining afternoon celebrating Canada 150 through Music and Story Telling. For more information click
here.
RHPO 2017/18 Season
The Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra is celebrating its 10th anniversary. We have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with our audiences, while developing a very fine orchestra since 2008. The 2016/17 Season will feature a balance of new repertoire and answer requests from audience members to hear your favourites, recounting some of our special moments over the years. The 2017/18 Season celebrates the past and looks to the future, as we continue to explore our unique brand of entertainment that
utilizes the magic of theatre to support each concert program of quality symphonic music, offering the best possible concert going experience. Click here for more.
Alexander Mackenzie High School
Musical theatre event of 2017 -
Beauty and the Beast, December 7 & 8 at Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. Tickets and information
St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Parish is celebrating 160 years this year
A Sacred Music concert given by St. Michael's Choir School, to mark this historic event will be held on Thursday, October 26th., @ 7 pm. Tickets are $20 each and are available through the Parish Office at 905-884-1784. Click
here for more information.
RH Beading Artists - 7th Annual Beaded Art
Show & Sale - Nov. 23-26
The chosen charity and beneficiary of this event is the R
ichmond Hill Community Food Bank. Click here for more information.
Chorus York presents Top Hats and Tunes:
A Program of Broadway Hits
Chorus York: Accompanied by the Bell's of St. Matthew's
Sunday, November 19, 3:00 p.m.
Thornhhill Presbyterian Church, 271 Centre St., Thornhill
Saturday, November 25, 8:00 p.m., St. Matthew's United Church,
333 Crosby Ave., Richmond Hill
Artistic Director, Stephane Potvin, Accompanist, Christina Faye.
Tickets online chorusyork.ca/concerts
Adults $25, Sr. & Students (with ID) $20, Family rates (matinee only)
www.chorusyork.ca
905-884-7922.
 Ignite Fair
Hey Volunteers! Ignite your passion at the 3rd annual IgniteFAIR event! Don't miss this opportunity to engage with over 30 nonprofit organizations across the GTA and find one that sparks your interest! IgniteFAIR is taking place on
Saturday, November 4 between 12PM
and
4PM
. Feel free to bring your friends along and share the event with anyone who needs to complete their 40 hours. It's going to be a fun afternoon with
free bubble tea, refreshments, and gift bags
provided by our sponsors.
Check out our Facebook event page to find more information about IgniteFAIR @
https://www.facebook.com/events/795903223930129/
|
|
|
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!
Photos below courtesy of Marj Andre
|
|
|
Richmond Hill Wild Cucumber
|
|
|
|
Richvale Greenway Creek Reflections
|
|
|
|
