Councillor Castro Liu - Community Update - December 2021
Dear Ward 3 Residents,
Yard Waste Collection Extended
We were lucky to enjoy a longer, vivid fall this year. Unfortunately, that also meant the leaves fell later than usual and I noticed that many residents were left with yard waste to dispose after the collection deadline date on December 3. In light of this, I made a motion to add an additional collection day before yearend, which has received unanimous support from the Council.
The final yard waste collection of 2021 will now take place the week of December 14 on your regular waste collection day.
Collection guidelines
· Yard waste must be placed at the curb after 6 p.m. on the night before collection day and before 7 a.m. on the day of collection.
· Paper bags, cardboard boxes and open-top reusable containers (maximum 125L/33Gal) are accepted. No plastic bags.
· Place a yellow YARD WASTE sticker on open-top reusable containers. Yard waste stickers are available for free at Access Richmond Hill (225 East Beaver Creek Road, Ground Floor) and at the Operations Center (1200 Elgin Mills Road East).
· Bundle branches, sticks and twigs with twine (maximum length 1.2m/4ft).
· Each container or bundle must not exceed 18 kg/40lbs.
· If yard waste has not been collected, it must be removed from the curb by 9 p.m. on collection day.
Yard waste drop-off depot
Richmond Hill residents can also drop off their yard waste at the Bloomington Yard Waste Depot located at 1351 Bloomington Road. Visit york.ca/wastedepots for hours and fees.
For more information, visit RichmondHill.ca/YardWaste.
Richmond Hill Council Delivers Second Consecutive Property Tax Freeze
Richmond Hill Council has delivered a 0% tax rate increase for Richmond Hill residents and businesses for the second year in a row. The City’s residential tax rate remains the third lowest of all municipalities in Ontario.
As part of the 2022 Operating Budget, Council also approved the hiring of 16 new firefighters. The cost will be phased in over five years, to limit the immediate impact on taxpayers while ensuring our Fire and Emergency Services have the resources necessary to help keep the community safe.
One-time draws from the City’s reserve funds will support key projects in 2022, including the development of Richmond Hill’s Age-Friendly Community Strategy and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy.
Richmond Hill also continues to invest in community infrastructure by contributing to reserves and directing some tax supported funding towards capital projects. In October 2021, Council approved a total capital budget for 2022 of $77 million to improve existing infrastructure, including Rouge Woods, Richvale, Bayview Hill and Oak Ridges community centres, Twickenham stormwater ponds and a new aerial fire truck.
Council further delivered on its commitment to fiscal responsibility by approving the 2022 Water, Wastewater and Stormwater budget, including a new multi-tiered rate structure for Richmond Hill’s stormwater management rate. This new approach, based on property type and land area, is more equitable as higher-density and non-residential areas account for a greater portion of urban stormwater runoff. It includes six tiers: residential, multi-residential, commercial/industrial, agricultural land/farm, golf courses and vacant land. The rate for each tier is available at RichmondHill.ca/
Water and wastewater rates will increase by 3.3% effective April 1, 2022. Water rates finance the delivery of clean, safe water to households and businesses, including the cost of water, daily testing, watermain maintenance and the staff to perform these functions.
Planning Application – 0 John Birchall Road
At the December 1, 2021 Council Public Meeting, Council heard loud and clear from residents who rejected this proposal. Many concerns were raised, including height and density, traffic safety, incompatibility with the existing neighbourhood and many more. Thank you for sending your opposition letters and taking the time to speak at the meeting. I continue to stand with you in rejecting this application.
The next step in the Planning process is for staff to complete the review of all technical studies submitted by the applicant in support of their application. I do not expect this to be completed any time soon as these types of applications take many months to review. I will keep you informed.
Holiday Donation Drive
Donate to make someone’s holiday a bit brighter. We are accepting donations of non-perishable food items and new toys (no stuffed animals, please), books, gift cards, toiletries and new clothing for children and especially teens until December 15.
Date: December 1 – 15
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Operations Centre, 1200 Elgin Mills Road East
First Night
Mark your calendars for a virtual New Year’s Eve Celebration for the whole family! Check out our line-up of performers and participate from the cozy comfort of your living room while we ring in 2022!
Light Up Richmond Hill
You can also help lift our community’s spirits by decorating and lighting up your home or business for the holidays. Submit a photo of your decorated home or business by December 10, to be entered in a draw for a chance to win a $50 Tim Horton’s gift card. RichmondHill.ca/WinterFun
Winter Lights
Stroll through Richmond Green Park as its transformed with holiday lights for residents to soak in all the winter feels. For a schedule of events visit RichmondHill.ca/WinterSeries
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.