City of Richmond Hill Councillor Castro Liu, Ward 3
Dear Ward 3 Residents,
Declaring a Winter Event
Please note, you cannot park on the street when the City of Richmond Hill has declared a winter event, which is expected to require snow clearing. If your vehicle is parked on the road, you may receive a ticket and have to pay a fine. If your vehicle is in the way of our plows, salters or emergency vehicles, it could be towed.
Stay off stormwater ponds
We are asking residents to please avoid using stormwater ponds for skating or any other recreational activity, as the ice/water is not a safe place to play.
Unlike natural ponds, stormwater ponds are designed to collect and release runoff from rainfall and snowmelt to help prevent flooding in the community. As a result, water levels change rapidly due to the constant water flow. The pond water may also contain road salt and other contaminants, which contribute to poor ice quality.
These factors combine to create dangerous and unpredictable conditions, which put your safety and the safety of our emergency responders at risk. Residents are welcome to use our parks and trails for exercise, including those around stormwater ponds, but please stay away from the water.
Richmond Hill on track for 0% Tax Increase
Richmond Hill Council is delivering on its commitment to fiscal responsibility and protecting residents from the financial burden of COVID-19. After initially targeting the City’s lowest tax increase in more than 15 years, Council has pushed further, proposing a full property tax freeze in 2021.
The Budget Committee of the Whole approved Richmond Hill’s draft 2021 operating budget today, forwarding it for final approval at the February 10 Council meeting. The budget proposes a 0% tax increase, which is achieved without cutting services or using the City’s reserve funds. The draft operating budget also continues to invest in community infrastructure, with contributions to capital reserve funds.
Additional rinks at Mill Pond and Lake Wilcox expected to open February 5, 2021
The City of Richmond Hill is offering residents more to do this winter by expanding its outdoor skating opportunities. Ice rinks at Mill Pond and Lake Wilcox are expected to open on Friday, February 5 (pending weather and ice conditions). This is in addition to Richmond Green Skate Trail, which opened in December.
To help protect the community and adhere to provincial COVID-19 restrictions:
· Residents must pre-register in advance using their ActiveRH account. The cost is free and online registration opens Thursday, February 4 at 9 a.m.
· Reservations are available to Richmond Hill residents only and limited to one time slot per day
· New time slots will be released daily at 9 a.m. for the next day
· Capacity is limited to 25 people per skate
· Skate times are limited to 45-minutes
· Face masks or coverings are mandatory off the ice, such as in line ups, washrooms and change areas and strongly recommended on the ice
· Heated washrooms will be open (skate trail and Mill Pond only). A portable washroom will be available at Lake Wilcox
· Change rooms and lockers will not be available
· Hockey/shinny will not be permitted
Demand for outdoor skating is high and we expect skate times to go quickly. Staff will review all bookings and any withdrawals/cancellations will be released back onto the system. Residents are encouraged to check back often for available skate times.
The City is asking residents to stay off the ice while staff prepares the rinks for opening day. Residents are further reminded not to use stormwater ponds for skating or any other recreational activity, as the ice/water is not a safe place to play.
Residents can visit and subscribe to RichmondHill.ca/OutdoorSkating for updates.
Richmond Hill Official Plan Update
The City of Richmond Hill is updating the current Official Plan to guide land use and development to 2041. This update will continue to help transform our suburban communities into a more vibrant, complete community that serves the needs of all residents, businesses and visitors in Richmond Hill.
Keynote presentations will be made by David Dixon, renowned award-winning visionary urban planner, and staff. These presentations will be followed by question and answer periods.
Date: Thursday, February 18, 2021
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Location: Virtual meeting
Register today: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wMlLY3I4TYS49QP-SMryHA
We want your input on the Fire Master Plan
Our Fire and Emergency Services Master Plan guides the delivery of our fire protection services. As our community needs change, we continue to review and adjust this plan accordingly.
Take Fire protection survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R39Z7XV
Virtual Richmond Hill Winter Carnival
Date: Sunday, February 7, 2021 at 9 a.m.
The 53rd Richmond Hill Winter Carnival will take a different form due to COVID-19, but volunteer organizers are still planning a celebration of winter in Richmond Hill, as we’ve been doing for the past 52 years!
The celebration will be virtual, encouraging families to enjoy winter activities and carnival traditions, while staying safe. There's a fun family Winter Carnival Scavenger Hunt, the traditional Children’s Colouring Contest, plus a youth video challenge, helping high school students earn their volunteer hours. Check out wintercarnival.net for more activities and all the details.
Applications open for Accessibility Advisory Committee
Due to a vacancy, Richmond Hill is currently accepting applications to join the Accessibility Advisory Committee. The Accessibility Advisory Committee works with City staff and makes recommendations to City Council to create a barrier free community for all. The Committee helps the City fulfill its commitment under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, providing guidance and advice regarding the removal of barriers in the environment (accessible customer service, design of public spaces, employment practices, information and communication, and general policy matters).
People who have a disability, experience supporting persons with disabilities, and a passion for/expertise in accessibility issues are encouraged to apply to join the committee. Applicants should be prepared to attend daytime meetings approximately every two months. Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, February 16 at 4:30 p.m. For more information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Application form: https://forms.richmondhill.ca/Council-and-Committee/Application-for-Appointment-to-Committees-Board
Support Special Olympics
As requested by Fiona Goy, a proud mom and Ward 3 resident, I am sharing a video of the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games featuring her son, Ezekiel. He is featured in Episode 12 of the Highlight Reel, a series produced by Special Olympics (SO) to encourage people to stay active during the pandemic. It also promotes awareness of how SO can help foster a supportive community for special needs athletes and their families.
As said by Fiona, “It is our hope that families who have children with intellectual disabilities would be inspired to connect with Special Olympics. They have ongoing virtual programs to help people stay active.”
Ezekiel's YouTube video:
Special Olympics Ontario website:
https://www1.specialolympicsontario.com/
Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.
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.