The Richmond Hill Record

Council Meeting

April 8, 2026

Who was there

Present (9): Godwin Chan, Karen Cilevitz, Simon Cui, Carol Davidson, Joe DiPaola, Castro Liu, Micheal Shiu, Scott Thompson, David West

Taken from the roll call in the town’s own minutes. The minutes record who was not there and almost never why.

What was decided (29 motions)

28 carried, 1 recorded otherwise. Every motion below is printed as the minutes print it.

That the agenda be adopted as distributed by the Clerk with the following additions: a) Additional Correspondence received related to the Member Motion submitted by Councillor Liu regarding Funding to Support additional Closed-Circuit Television Video Cameras (CCTV) in Richmond Hill - (Item 15.4); b) Additional Correspondence received related to the Member Motion submitted by Councillor Cilevitz regarding Request to Establish a Multi-Level Task Force to Combat Antisemitic Hate and Violence - (Item 15.5).
Moved by Councillor Cilevitz, seconded by Councillor Thompson
Carried
That the minutes of Council Meeting C#05-26 held on March 11, 2026, be adopted.
Moved by Councillor Davidson, seconded by Councillor Cui
Carried
a) That the presentation by Nancy Marchese, Founder, Breakthrough Autism, regarding April being Autism Awareness Month, be received with thanks.
Moved by Councillor Liu, seconded by Councillor Davidson
Carried
a) That taxes amounting to $56,343.25 be adjusted pursuant to the provisions of Section 357 of the Municipal Act, 2001; b) That taxes amounting to $15,069.54 be adjusted pursuant to the provisions of Section 358 of the Municipal Act, 2001; c) That applicable penalty and interest be adjusted accordingly; and, d) That the Treasurer be directed to adjust the accounts receivable accordingly.
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
a) That the minutes of Heritage Richmond Hill meeting HRH#01-26 held January 15, 2026, be adopted.
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
a) That Staff Report SRPBS.26.005 titled "Notice of Intention to Designate 10030 Yonge Street” be received; b) That City Council state its intention to designate the property at 10030 Yonge Street under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of its cultural heritage significance, and in accordance with the Statement of Significance: 10030 Yonge Street included as Attachment “A” to SRPBS.26.005; c) That staff be directed to publish and serve Council’s Notice of Intention to Designate as per the requirements of the Ontario Heritage Act; and d) That if there are no objections to the designation in accordance with the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act, that staff be directed to place a Designation By-law before Council at a future Council meeting for adoption.
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
a) That Staff Report SRPBS.26.006 titled "Notice of Intention to Designate 12125 Yonge Street” be received; b) That City Council state its intention to designate the property at 12125 Yonge Street under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of its cultural heritage significance, and in accordance with the amended Statement of Significance: 12125 Yonge Street included as Attachment “A” to SRPBS.26.006; April 8, 2026 C#06-26 c) That staff be directed to publish and serve Council’s Notice of Intention to Designate as per the requirements of the Ontario Heritage Act; and d) That if there are no objections to the designation in accordance with the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act, that staff be directed to place a Designation By-law before Council at a future Council meeting for adoption.
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
a) That staff report SRIES.26.005 regarding the request for an in- year budget increase for the Dave Barrow Civic Square project be received; b) That Council authorize and increase the amount of the City’s capital project Dave Barrow Civic Square Project, account P/001204.03, by $4,500,000; c) That the capital project budget increase be funded from the following sources: i) That $1,000,000 comes from Development Charges Reserve Fund; ii) That $3,500,000 comes from Cash-in-Lieu of Parkland Reserve Fund.
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
a) That staff report SRPBS.26.004 regarding Independent Electricity System Operator Long Term Request for Proposals - Municipal Process, be received; b) That the City Manager be provided delegated authority to support a Blanket Municipal Support Resolution(s) in principle for solar energy projects for the purposes of the requirements of the IESO Long Term RFP upon the written recommendation of the Commissioner of Planning and Building Services; c) That staff be directed to implement a municipal process as generally described in this staff report to administer Municipal Support Confirmation requests as part of the IESO Long Term RFP process; d) That staff be directed to bring forward a by-law to a future Council Meeting to amend the City's Tariff of Fees By-law 61-25, as amended, to add the schedule found in Attachment "C" to staff report SRPBS.26.004.
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
a) That staff report SRPBS.26.007 regarding Notice of Intention to Designate 12800 Yonge Street, be received; b) That City Council state its intention to designate the property at 12800 Yonge Street under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of its cultural heritage significance, and in accordance with the Statement of Significance: 12800 Yonge Street included as Attachment “A” to staff report SRPBS.26.007; April 8, 2026 C#06-26 c) That staff be directed to publish and serve Council’s Notice of Intention to Designate as per the requirements of the Ontario Heritage Act; and d) That if there are no objections to the designation in accordance with the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act, that staff be directed to place a Designation By-law before Council at a future Council meeting for adoption.
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
a) That Staff Report SRPBS.26.015 regarding the Request for Direction on Comprehensive Zoning By-law 93-25 Appeals, be received; b) That Council direct City Staff to retain external Legal Counsel and other professionals as the Commissioner of Planning and Building Services deems appropriate, in support of Council’s position regarding the CZBL 93-25 appeals, as amended; c) That the Commissioner of Planning and Building Services be given authority to instruct external Legal Counsel to support further amendments to the CZBL 93-25, as amended as deemed appropriate, in order to facilitate settlements, or to dispose of appeals at the OLT; d) That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute any and all documentation as may be required to settle any and all appeals of the CZBL 93-25, as amended, at the OLT, upon the recommendation of the Commissioner of Planning and Building Services; and, e) That Council direct City Staff to provide status updates upon the resolution of the appeals.
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
a) That Staff Report SRPBS.26.017, including the Draft Richmond Green Revitalization Master Plan (Attachment A), be received for information purposes, and, b) That all comments be
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Referred
a) That staff report SRCM.26.08, regarding the Housing Accelerator Fund Second Annual Update, be received.
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
a) That staff report SRCFS.26.010 regarding the response to the February 25, 2026 Member Motion on a Water Leak Adjustment Program, be received.
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
a) That staff report SRCS.26.01 regarding Sign By-law Amendments for Off-Premises Advertising, Mobile, Charity and Open House Sign Regulations, be received; and April 8, 2026 C#06-26 b) That By-law 25-26, Attachment 1 to staff report SRCS.26.01, be enacted to amend the Sign By-law 52-09 (Municipal Code Chapter 740).
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
That the following correspondence related to the Member Motion submitted by Councillor Liu regarding Funding to Support additional Closed-Circuit Television Video Cameras (CCTV) in Richmond Hill, be received: 1. Amy Tam, 28 Greenshire Street, dated March 28, 2026. 2. Gabe Kalmar, 28 Greenshire Street, dated March 28, 2026. 3. Sandy Steplock, 93 Sapphire Drive, dated March 28, 2026 4. Glenn Steplock, 93 Sapphire Drive, March 28, 2026. 5. AhNiook Hui Chung Cheong, 26 Canyon Creek Avenue, dated March 28, 2026. 6. George Leung, 29 Copperstone Crescent, dated March 28, 2026. 7. Anar Bohari and family, 9 Sun Valley Drive, dated March 28, 2026. 8. Luna Guha, 59 Princeton Avenue, dated March 28, 2026. 9. Elaine Patfong, 54 Sapphire Drive, dated March 28, 2026. 10. Akeel Jaffer, 30 Crescentview Road, dated March 28, 2026. 11. Fred Afshar and Family, 105 Strathearn Avenue, dated March 28, 2026. 12. Salma Valimohamed, 27 Glenarden Crescent, dated March 28, 2026. 13. Michelle Wei, 22 Headford Avenue, dated March 28, 2026. April 8, 2026 C#06-26 14. Dora Chu, 12 Greenhill Avenue, dated March 28, 2026. 15. Eva Chung, 116 Strathearn Avenue, dated March 28, 2026. 16. Irene Chung, 116 Strathearn Avenue, dated March 28, 2026. 17. Clive Chung, 116 Strathearn Avenue, dated March 28, 2026. 18. Yu Chung, 116 Strathearn Avenue, dated March 28, 2026. 19. Arcadi and Azara Vaisberg, 84 Sapphire Drive, dated March 28, 2026. 20. Tracy Li, 226 Strathearn Avenue, dated March 28, 2026. 21. Jun Zhang, 6 Tynd
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
a) That the correspondence from Sigmund Lee, 20 Hamills Crescent, dated March 31, 2026, related to the Member Motion submitted by Councillor Thompson regarding Exploring Disc Golf Opportunities in Richmond Hill Parks, be received.
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
a) That the correspondence from Larry Green, 3 Penticton Court, dated March 30, 2026, related to the Member Motion submitted by Councillor Cilevitz regarding Request to Establish a Multi-Level Task Force to Combat Antisemitic Hate and Violence, be received.
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
a) That the correspondence from Bryan Purcell, VP Policy and Programs, The Atmospheric Fund, regarding Independence Electricity System Operator Long Term Request for Proposals - Municipal Process, be received.
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
Whereas the Council of the City of Richmond Hill unanimously passed a motion on February 21, 2024, urging that a Second National Summit to Combat Antisemitism be Convened (Attached as Attachment 1); and Whereas the City of Richmond Hill is a diverse and inclusive community where residents of all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds should feel safe, respected, and protected; and April 8, 2026 C#06-26 Whereas there has been a documented and deeply concerning rise in antisemitic incidents, hate-motivated acts, and violence across Canada, including within York Region and surrounding municipalities; and Whereas hate-motivated incidents directed at the Jewish community and other vulnerable communities undermine public safety, community cohesion, and the fundamental values of tolerance and inclusion; and Whereas municipal governments rely on strong partnerships with federal, provincial, and regional law enforcement agencies to effectively prevent, investigate, and respond to hate-motivated incidents; and Whereas the City of Richmond Hill is served by the York Regional Police, and benefits from coordination with provincial and federal partners including the Ontario Provincial Police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service; and Whereas municipalities face increasing financial and operational pressures in responding to rising incidents of hate, including the need for enhanced policing, coordination, prevention programs, and community safety init
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
Whereas municipalities across North America are exploring innovative ways to encourage residents of all ages to remain active and engaged in outdoor recreation; and Whereas Disc Golf (also known as Frisbee Golf) has grown significantly in popularity as an accessible, low-cost recreational activity that promotes walking, social interaction, and outdoor physical activity; and April 8, 2026 C#06-26 Whereas Disc Golf courses typically require minimal infrastructure and can often be installed on a temporary or seasonal basis with limited environmental impact; and Whereas seasonal Disc Golf courses have recently been introduced in parks such as Woodbine Park in Toronto, demonstrating how municipalities can activate park spaces during fall and winter months when some amenities are less utilized; and Whereas outdoor recreational activities that encourage walking and low-impact use of parkland can support broader municipal goals related to active living, environmental stewardship, and sustainable community initiatives; and Whereas residents attending Richmond Hill’s ECO Family Fest were surveyed regarding potential recreational opportunities and approximately 88% of respondents indicated support for Richmond Hill exploring Disc Golf opportunities in appropriate park locations; and Whereas Disc Golf may provide an opportunity to activate underutilized park space while encouraging outdoor recreation and healthy lifestyles; and Whereas the City’s 2022 Parks Plan directs that “Considerati
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
Whereas, Council for the City of Richmond Hill is committed to enhancing community safety and supporting initiatives that deter crime and improve public security: and Whereas, York Region Police operates community safety initiatives including Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras that assist with crime prevention, investigation and incident response; and Whereas, in 2023 the York Region Police Service Board approved the use of CCTV cameras locations in public spaces across York Region and the nine local municipalities including 9 CCTV cameras in Richmond Hill: and Whereas, York Regional Police select locations using a data-driven approach where trends in crime have indicated that CCTV cameras will support with both crime prevention efforts and active police investigative efforts; and Whereas the City maintains a Community Enhancement and Economic Vitality Reserve Fund that may be used to support initiatives that enhance the quality of life and benefit the community; and Whereas, to address privacy concerns, York Regional Police will deploy CCTV cameras only in publicly accessible areas, with views restricted from private dwellings, and will use the footage solely for investigating reported criminal activity, including the use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology to identify and locate stolen vehicles; and Whereas, any collected footage will be retained for no more than 72 hours unless required for an active investigation, and all monitoring April 8, 2026 C#0
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
That the following correspondence related to the Member Motion submitted by Councillor Liu regarding Funding to Support additional Closed-Circuit Television Video Cameras (CCTV) in Richmond Hill, be received: 1. Wendy and Adam Tan, 22 Killarney Street, dated March 31, 2026. 2. K.C. Lau, 73 Cassandra Crescent, dated March 31, 2026. 3. Kiff Chan, 61 Garland Crescent, dated March 31, 2026. 4. Joseph Lee, 33 Mayfair Court, dated March 31, 2026. 5. Ruby Chan, 5 Joplin Gate, dated March 31, 2026. 6. Garbo Wu, 34 Hillholm Boulevard, dated March 31, 2026. 7. Warren Li, 145 Strathearn Avenue, dated March 31, 2026. April 8, 2026 C#06-26 8. Miranda Mak, 22 Alvarado Avenue, dated March 31, 2026. 9. Pauline Ing Lee, 86 Glenarden Crescent, dated March 31, 2026. 10. Michael Tucker, 164 Peninsula Crescent, dated March 31, 2026. 11. Helen Shin, 71 Bowhill Drive, dated March 31, 2026. 12. King Sang Wong and Samantha Wong family, 20 Gemini Crescent, dated March 31, 2026. 13. Lilian Yu, 35 McGrath Avenue, dated April 1, 2026. 14. Karen and David Leung,15 Bowhill Drive, dated April 1, 2026. 15. Arati and Dhanesh Nijsure, 77 Catalina Crescent, dated April 1, 2026. 16. Sukwai Cheung, 93 Futura Avenue, dated April 1, 2026.
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
That the following correspondence related to the Member Motion submitted by Councillor Cilevitz regarding Request to Establish a Multi- Level Task Force to Combat Antisemitic Hate and Violence be received: 1. Jaclyn Wong, 72 Sheila Crescent, dated March 31, 2026. 2. Dr. Amir Khakshaee, 34 Westwood Lane, dated April 2, 2026.
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
That the following additional correspondence related to the Member Motion submitted by Councillor Liu regarding Funding to Support additional Closed-Circuit Television Video Cameras (CCTV) in Richmond Hill, be received: 1. Anissa Tam, 24 Monaco Crescent, dated April 1, 2026. 2. Bonnie Cheung, 8 Elyssa Drive, dated April 7, 2026.
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
That the following additional correspondence related to the Member Motion submitted by Councillor Cilevitz regarding Request to Establish a Multi-Level Task Force to Combat Antisemitic Hate and Violence be received: 1. Sharon Aschaiek, 8 Fraserwood Road, Thornhill, dated April 1, 2026.
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
That the following By-laws be approved: By-law 25-26 - A By-law to amend By-law 52-09, being the City of Richmond Hill Sign By-law By-law 39-26 - A By-Law to Amend By-Law 61-25, as amended beingA By-Law to authorize Fees or Charges for Certain Services (Tariff of Fee By-Law)
Moved by Regional and Local Councillor DiPaola, seconded by Councillor Cilevitz
Carried
That By-law 40-26, A By-law to confirm the proceedings of Council at this meeting, be passed.
Moved by Councillor Cui, seconded by Councillor Shiu
Carried
That the meeting be adjourned.
Moved by Councillor Liu, seconded by Councillor Thompson
Carried Unanimously

The town’s own record

Read the minutes this page was read from →

Where this page and that document disagree, the document is right and this record is wrong. Say so and it will be corrected.