City of Richmond Hill reorganization strengthens environmental efforts

Merging commissions will produce a better approach to environmental policy, writes Mary-Anne Dempster

Yorkregion.com
October 30, 2020

The City of Richmond Hill’s recent reorganization is another step on our journey to modernize government services and provide greater value for our residents’ tax dollars. I am deeply disappointed this positive transformation has been overshadowed by false implications about our commitment to the environment.

The city recognizes the environment is a top priority for our residents. Not only are we continuing our great work on protecting our community’s natural environment, but this reorganization is strengthening our efforts.

Previously, environmental policy work was split between two different commissions. Merging these commissions into one--our new Planning and Infrastructure Commission--will result in a more co-ordinated approach to our environmental policy planning efforts, making sure sustainability and natural heritage protection measures are considered throughout the planning and development process.

We also continue to have a strong environmental presence in our Community Services Commission, focused on operational work such as urban forestry, waste management and natural area restoration.

Richmond Hill has one of the longest-running and widest-scope municipal ISO14001 Environmental Management Systems in Canada and our environment strategy, 'Greening the Hill: Our Community, Our Future', has shown great success in moving us toward becoming a more sustainable community.

Just a few of our recent accomplishments include:

• Launching our first Urban Forest Management Plan, strengthening the City’s ability to maintain a healthy urban forest until 2040
• Launching the development of a Corporate Climate Change Framework and Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP) to help Richmond Hill become more resilient to the effects of climate change
• Diverting over 14,350 lb of e-waste collected at the 2019 Healthy Yards event
• Improving resiliency and protecting infrastructure from flooding, erosion and damage through stormwater management and valleyland restoration

I am proud of the efforts and achievements of city staff, and this work will not stop. I invite residents to visit www.RichmondHill.ca/Environment to learn how we are protecting our natural lands for generations to come.