Councillor Castro Liu - Richmond Hill Re-opening update

Dear Ward 3 Residents - Hope everyone’s keeping well during this time. Please see below community update for June.

Richmond Hill Re-opening update

As you may already know, the provincial government has announced the re-opening plans for Stage 2.  At this time, York Region and the GTA have not approved to proceed, and we remain in Stage 1. However, the group number has increased to 10 effective today. Please be reminded that people are still required to stay two metres away from anyone outside their own household.

Overall Status

·The majority of the park system and recreational trails are open.

·Park amenities such as dog parks, skate parks, park furniture are open.

·Parking lots are open with the exception of Lake Wilcox Park and the Oak Ridge’s Community Centre lots.

Tennis and Court including multi-use, basketball and Pickle Ball

·All open with the exception of David Hamilton.  Air support structure cannot be removed yet due to labor challenges related to physically distancing workers.  Park is still under construction.

·Crosby Tennis remains closed for public access. The Richmond Hill Lawn Tennis club has access to these courts with a strict protocol in place. 

·Lake Wilcox, Beach Volley Ball, currently working on installing the net on at least one court to be open.

Sports Fields including Ball and Soccer

·The fields are open for family or groups of ten or less from same household to use for casual play. 

·Nets are not on the soccer fields to discourage organized/group play.

·Artificial soccer fields remain closed.

·David Hamilton Ball remains closed due to construction.

Splash Pads, Playgrounds and fitness equipment

·Remain closed throughout the park system.

Picnic Shelters and permitted areas

·Open for family or groups of ten or less.

·No permits being issued.

Public Washrooms

·Remain closed.

Waste Collection Safety Guidelines (COVID-19)

To help keep our residents and contracted waste collection staff safe, please:

·Continue to carefully bag and tie all garbage and green bin materials in plastic bags.

·Dispose of masks, gloves and wipes in the garbage, not the blue box. If these items are found in the blue box, your recycling will not be collected.

·Dispose of paper towels and tissues in the green bin, not the blue box. If these items are found in the blue box, your recycling will not be collected. 

·Do not flush any wipes down the toilet. Sewer blockages can occur.

·If someone in your home is ill, place all items they used in the garbage, not the blue box or green bin. 

·Wash your hands before and after handling waste and waste containers. Regularly clean your containers using soap and water.

·Support our collection staff by keeping the required 2 metre physical distancing.

https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/our-services/Garbage-and-Recycling-at-Your-Home.aspx

Richmond Hill Public Library introduced curbside pickup

Starting June 9, Richmond Hill Public Library will be piloting a touchless curbside pickup program. This program will allow you to place holds online and pick them up at Central Library.

Use our catalogue to place a hold on an item that is located at the Central Library. Once your item is ready, we will contact you so that we can arrange a time to pick up your order from Central Library.

For more detail: https://www.rhpl.ca/curbside

Richmond Hill’s first virtual Canada Day celebration!

To help keep our community safe and stop the spread of COVID-19, our in-person event is cancelled. We are excited to bring you a great online experience filled with entertainment and family-friendly activities!

When: Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Where: RichmondHill.ca/CanadaDay! Subscribe to "receive email updates" for details.

Activities:

·Richmond Hill's Got Talent Showcase

·Dan the Music Man

·Fire Guy Show

·Mighty Mike Show

·The Dreamboats

·By Chefanie Cooking Lessons

·Hands on Exotics Animal Encounters

·Interactive Dance Party

·Artist-facilitated Craft Activities

·Fireworks Simulation Show

*Please note that entertainment and activities are subject to change.

Certify your Backyard as a Wildlife Friendly Habitat!

The Canadian Wildlife Federation’s Backyard Habitat Certification Program recognizes the amazing efforts Canadians are taking to meet the habitat needs of wildlife. Whether you have a small patio garden or several acres of land, you could work towards having your yard designated as wildlife friendly habitat!

Why certify your property?

•         Gain official status into a community of Canadians helping local and migratory wildlife, including species at risk.

•         Help raise community awareness about the importance of gardening with wildlife in mind.

•         Certified gardens are eligible to obtain an official sign to place in their garden.

Visit www.cwf-fcf.org to learn more about eligibility and to apply for the program.

Community Gardens

Community gardens provide residents with a number of social and environmental benefits including opportunities to engage in a healthy recreational activity, spend time with friends and neighbours, meet new people, grow and/or learn about growing nutritious food, as well as ornamental and native plants.

·The City recognizes the important role community gardens play in ensuring food security for some, as well as physical and mental health. 

·With the announcement from the Province identifying community gardens as an essential service, the City is preparing to open its community gardens for the season on May 13.

·The health and safety of staff and residents is our top priority. All community gardens (both allotment and collective) will operate following advice provided by York Region Public Health and the Province including, maintaining physical distance of two metres between people at all times, practicing good hand hygiene and staying home when you are sick.

·All plots at the City-run community allotment garden at Phyllis Rawlinson Park have been allocated for 2020. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you’d like to be added to the waiting list.

·If you are interested in joining a community-run collective garden, you can find garden locations and contact information below.

https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/register-apply-or-pay/Community-Garden.aspx?_mid_=829

Regards,

Councillor Castro Liu, Ward 3

City of Richmond Hill

225 East Beaver Creek Road

Richmond Hill, ON  L4B 3P4

T: 905 771 5497 | F: 905 771 2500 | e: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.