Blue Dot environmental commitment confirmed by Richmond Hill council
Council briefs

YorkRegion.com
April 6, 2015
Marney Beck

Richmond Hill last week officially became one of three municipalities in Ontario to support the David Suzuki Foundation’s Blue Dot pledge of residents’ right to a healthy environment.

Council at its formal meeting made a commitment to people’s right to live in a healthy environment, including the right to breathing clean air, drinking clean water and enjoy nature.

The declaration is further supported by Richmond Hill’s environment strategy, Greening the Hill: Our Community Our Future, which specifies goals, objectives, actions and timeframes for building a more environmentally sustainable community.

The town is on record for its commitment to protecting, enhancing and restoring its local environment by fostering education and outreach, collaborating through partnerships, supporting the development of connected communities and will report out on its progress.

A national day of action is taking place Sunday, April 19, as organizers in communities across Canada host “Connect the Blue Dots” events, large and small, to celebrate the Blue Dot movement.

To find out more, visit the website bluedot.nationalbuilder.com

Stormwater park earns award

 At its March 30 meeting, council was presented an award for Innovative Stormwater Project by the Ontario Public Works Association (OPWA) for the newly rehabilitated Rumble Pond Park, recognized as one of Canada’s most innovative stormwater ponds.

The provincial award recognizes excellence in project management and partnerships.

Rumble Pond, at Bathurst and Mill Streets, was identified by the town as having reached the end of its lifecycle and in need of upgrading. Richmond Hill partnered with stormwater agencies and earned government grants to bring the facility up to modern standards for water quality, flood and erosion control.

The renovations took longer than expected and some residents questioned the $4-million pricetag.

Some unique features include filters that clean runoff water before it enters the pond, landscaping materials that allow water to absorb into the ground and adjustable controls allowing operators to regulate water levels.

Rumble Pond Park also features recreational and educational space with walkways, benches, native vegetation, a pavilion, an island and interpretive signage for the community to learn from and enjoy. Visit RichmondHill.ca/RumblePond for details.

 Valley land restoration added to 10-Year Stormwater Plan

 Last week, council approved a 10-year capital plan that combines the rehabilitation of both valley lands and stormwater management ponds. Over time urban development and weather conditions can change the nature of stormwater flow and cause erosion and flooding. Sediment can accumulate in stormwater management facilities that store rain and snowmelt to prevent flooding, and rivers that connect stormwater drainage routes (valley lands) can be become damaged.

This, in turn, can affect municipal infrastructure such as stormwater ponds, sewers, trails and culverts.

Six valley land and four stormwater management pond sites will be added to the 10-year capital plan and considered for rehabilitation within the next five years. These projects will stabilize valley land areas and rehabilitate aging stormwater ponds to improve water quality treatment, erosion control and flood control.

Extreme weather can destroy infrastructure as witnessed in other communities and this plan outlines proactive steps to minimize those risks. To date, Pioneer Pond, Don Head West Pond and Rumble Pond have been rehabilitated.

Report confirms drinking water meets standards

 In accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002, a 2014 Municipal Drinking Water System Report for Richmond Hill’s water distribution system was presented to council.

The report confirms the town’s commitment to provide safe drinking water to the community and details compliance with provincial standards for testing, reporting and inspection.

Rigorous sampling and testing throughout the drinking water system has been completed and confirms Richmond Hill’s drinking water is safe. The report will soon be available for viewing on the website.

For more information, visit RichmondHill.ca/Water.