Richmond Hill Mayor David West highlights innovative projects, ‘bright future’ at annual State of the City address

Embracing diversity, environmental initiatives and honouring the past were among topics at the April 18 event

Yorkregion.com
April 20, 2023
Melissa Wallace

Business leaders, councillors, community groups and residents gathered at the Richmond Hill Country Club on April 18 to listen to Mayor David West share his State of the City address.

Hosted by the Richmond Hill Board of Trade, the event highlighted key achievements and a strong focus on looking forward, while honouring the past.

As council recently adopted a new land acknowledgment and first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy and Action plan, West shared a DEI task force initiative and "circle of inclusivity champions" that will support community change.

“I want everyone in Richmond Hill to feel included and an important part of what makes our city great,” said West. “We already have a diverse community, and that is such a strength.”

The mayor also expressed enthusiasm for the long-awaited Yonge-North subway extension that will further improve the city’s standing as a regional centre for business enterprise, investment and innovation. Part of that innovation includes planning for Richmond Hill Centre, the area located around the intersection of Yonge Street and Highway 7, with the goal to make it a magnet for business, arts and culture.

“It will be an urban centre where we can live, work and play,” said West. “I’m excited to see the community and that area take shape. The future is bright.”

The city’s partnership with OCAD University and eCampusOntario to launch the Centre of Local Innovation and Collaboration (CLIC) last year was listed as another bright spot. Businesses work with OCAD researchers to review their operations, develop new products and improve their offerings.

In order to make Richmond Hill one of the most prominent, complete communities in the Greater Toronto Area, West explained that the future must include housing options for everyone. With a target of building 27,000 new housing units by 2031 through the Bill 23 More Homes, Built Faster Act, West said council is committed to supporting the target through initiatives, but needed help.

“We need funding to continue to build growth infrastructure and not on the back of taxpayers,” he said. “Our work can only take us so far.

“We are committed to advancing the delivery of housing by doing our part to streamline the approvals process, but builders need to commit to building. We need exciting, innovative and affordable projects, and we need them soon.”

The future of the city requires valuable feedback from residents on guiding documents such as the official plan and strategic plan, and West stressed the importance of residents and stakeholders to make the most of public consultation opportunities to have their voices heard.

The future also includes respecting the environment and planning for the city’s green space as outlined in its Environment Strategy, which lays out action steps and will help the city strive toward its goal to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

As West concluded his remarks, he mentioned joy at celebrating Richmond Hill’s 150th birthday, having been incorporated as a village in 1873, and of taking pride in the city’s history. He then paid tribute to late former mayor Dave Barrow, who died last September.

“On a personal note, I served with Dave for all of my political career, and to this day I find myself wishing that he was still with us,” said West. “Given that this is the first time that this speech is being delivered without Dave in our community, I wanted to dedicate this talk to his memory.” The event concluded with cheers and rousing applause.