What are your favourite places in Richmond Hill? Public invited to plan ‘centrepiece of York Region’

The public is encouraged to take an online survey to learn about the proposed vision and urban structure

Yorkregion.com
March 1, 2021
Sheila Wang

For a city like Richmond Hill, boasting unique natural landscape and a myriad of recreational and dining opportunities, many would probably ask “what’s not to like?”

City staff is now inviting the public to brainstorm together what places they enjoy the most in Richmond Hill in an endeavour to help transform the city into the “centrepiece of York Region” in the next 20 years.

Whether residents, workers or visitors in Richmond Hill, all are welcome to participate in an interactive map to tell the city staff where your favourite places are.

The initiative was launched as part of the city’s ongoing official plan update process, which is set to guide Richmond Hill’s growth and development in the next two decades in a variety of aspects, including parks, housing, recreation and transformation.

Called “My Favourite Places,” the map allows members of the public to drop a virtual pin on any locations you like the best in Richmond Hill.

It can be a park, a restaurant, a neighbourhood or even a gas station that you particularly enjoy.

The participants can also explore what others’ favourite places are, and like and/or comment on their choices.

“Richmond Hill’s future is in your hands -- I encourage everyone to be involved,” Mayor Dave Barrow said in an news release.

The information collected from the public will help the city to understand the needs and interests of the community and inform future direction.

This engagement activity was launched after the virtual open house held on Feb. 18, where more than 200 people attended and heard about the city’s opportunities and potential from award-winning visionary urban planner, David Dixon.

Those who missed the meeting are welcome to view the recording at RichmondHill.ca/OPUpdate.

Meanwhile, the public is encouraged to take an online survey to learn about the proposed vision and urban structure of Richmond Hill and share feedback.

The survey will close on March 4, 2021.

Richmond Hill has been envisioned to become one of the most “prominent, complete” communities in the Greater Toronto Area, according to the city.

The map initiative will be available throughout the consultation period of the official plan update, which is expected to take place over the next 12 months.

A key direction report is expected to be endorsed by council at the end of 2021.

In spring 2022, a draft of the proposed policy and mapping changes to the official plan will be shared with the public for comment.