Annual Report 2012 - Town of Richmond Hill

R I C H M O N D H I L L S T R A T E G I C P L A N A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 2
Better Options for Where to Live
Implementation of our new Official Plan, which
contains policies that specifically address the
provision of affordable housing, represents the
Town’s key initiative to achieve better options for
where to live. For example, the plan allows for
second suites and encourages the development
of high-density units suitable for families with
children. These policies are expected to have a
positive impact on diversifying Richmond Hill’s
housing mix over the long term. The Town has
helped York Region increase its supply of
affordable housing through agreements with
developers – the only municipality in York
Region to do this.
Singles
63%
Richmond Hill’s Housing Mix (2009)
Apartments
16%
Semis
4%
Duplexes
3%
Rows
14%
Annual Registration
57 500
57 000
56 500
56 000
55 500
55 000
54 500
54 000
Participants in Town Programs
Registered Programs
2009 2010 2011
Annual Registration
325 000
320 000
315 000
310 000
305 000
300 000
295 000
290 000
Drop-in Programs
2009 2010 2011
Better Options for Being Active
and Involved
Richmond Hill has a diverse population with
diverse needs. Participation in Town programs
is a leading indicator of better options for
being active and involved. Participation in
both registered and drop-in programs has
increased since 2009.
Providing flexibility for residents has been a key priority in adapting community programs;
drop-in program offerings have increased and many registered programs are now available in
nine-week, four-week, and one-day workshops.
At the same time, the Town has expanded its programs designed for residents with unique needs
and specialised requirements, and in response to our cultural diversity. We have also expanded
activity programs and fire education programs for seniors. These specialized programs provide
opportunities for approximately 6 000 residents annually.
S U M M A R Y A N D F U T U R E D I R E C T I O N S
Overall progress in meeting our goal of has been positive, although there
are still challenges to be addressed due to our community’s rapid growth. Our 2012 Community Survey
identified growth-related issues as the primary concern of Richmond Hill residents. We have made
progress providing residents with better options for moving around and for where to live, however
providing employment options, road congestion, and affordable housing choices will pose challenges
in the coming years.
The Town has been successful in adapting its community programs to provide residents with better
options for being active and involved. Registration in Town programs has steadily increased since 2009
and the large majority of residents indicate satisfaction with our programs.
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