RICHMOND HILL 2020: What's going to impact your pockets, commute and recreation

The city will welcome a new integrity commissioner, library CEO

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 2, 2020
Sheila Wang

Whether you’re ready to put what has happened in the past turbulent year behind in Richmond Hill, the brand-new city has ushered into its second year.

With the buzz about the new Oak Ridges Library and the city-wide windrow program already a thing of the past, Richmond Hill has more exciting facilities and programs in store in the new year.

Meanwhile, a number of unfinished critical businesses, such as plans for key development areas that have sown discord between decision-makers and residents, will continue to pan out in 2020.

Here are five things residents can expect in Richmond Hill in the new year:

Richmond Hill is scheduled to complete the redevelopment of David Hamilton Park in 2020. Residents will be able to try their hands at the new facilities in summer 2020.

The modernized park will include new play areas, a multi-use court, new walkways, seating, lighting, sports facility upgrades and a new splash pad.

Meanwhile, the city is aiming to complete the Ed Sackfield Arena in 2020, which will add an NHL-sized ice pad, a new fitness aerobics room and fitness weight room, new change rooms and a walking track.

Rapid on Yonge

The Yonge Street bus Rapidway in Richmond Hill is scheduled to open in December 2020.

The 6.5-kilometre Rapidway on Yonge Street, which runs from Highway 7 to 19th Avenue/Gamble Road, will connect with the Newmarket Go Bus Terminal in the north and Vaughan and Markham in the south.

Starting construction back in 2014, the project is funded by Metrolinx, an agency of the Province of Ontario, as part of its $1.4-billion commitment to improving transit in York Region.

The city will continue to work with other levels of government on the Yonge Subway extension into Richmond Hill, as well as its work to develop the area around it.

In the city’s vision, the area will be known for its leading-edge buildings, vibrant public spaces, high quality of life and strong economic opportunities, according to spokesperson Kathleen Graver.

Don’t like it? Say it.

Richmond Hill is in the process of reviewing a number of defining documents, including the official plan, the secondary plan for the Yonge and Bernard key development area and the zoning bylaw.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to get involved in planning for the future of the community.

Meanwhile, the city is expected to consider policies regarding transportation and climate change in the new year.

Key positions to fill

Two important positions -- integrity commissioner and public library CEO -- that have been in the spotlight over the past year are now vacant.

A new integrity commissioner is taking over the code of conduct complaints that have been on hold as a result of an abrupt termination of the former commissioner, Deborah Anschell, in November 2019.

Meanwhile, the Richmond Hill public library is going to have a new leader following the retirement of former CEO Louise Procter Maio after seven years of service.

The new CEO will be working with a reshuffled library board, chaired by Councillor Greg Beros.

Nickel and dime?

The high tax rates have already been one of the residents’ top concerns in Richmond Hill, and council has posited to lower the tax increase in 2020.

Council has set one per cent as the maximum tax increase in the new year through a variety of cost-saving incentives identified by city staff.

It includes no new staff positions in 2020 and an five-per-cent hike on the user fee revenues.

In total, the city plans to charge 1,350 fees in the coming year, including 70 new fees, according to the report, the Liberal reported.

While the fees are expected to go up in varying degrees, children and youth programs are likely to be most affected by the proposed changes.

Budget Committee of the Whole is scheduled to meet on Jan. 28 and discuss the 2020 operating budget.