Annual Report 2012 - Town of Richmond Hill

Our Progress
Local Artist at Boynton House
Goal Three:
A More Vibrant
Richmond Hill
Some of the best places to live and
do business are dynamic and diverse.
They have a unique sense of identity.
They are vibrant.
2 0 1 2 C O M M U N I T Y S U R V E Y
88% of residents use local parks, trails and
natural areas.
81% of residents feel Richmond Hill is a
vibrant community.
78% of residents feel diversity in Richmond
Hill is one of our strengths.
Respecting the Past
Richmond Hill’s heritage is the foundation of its vibrancy
today. Managing, protecting, and improving our heritage
resources is integral to building a more vibrant community.
The Town’s new Official Plan policies give greater scope and
depth to preserving heritage properties. Over the past two
years we have issued eight Heritage Improvement Grants
and are currently working to develop a Heritage Evaluation
System. Richmond Hill currently has 100 heritage properties.
Of these, 15 are owned by the Town and 36 are located within
the Gormley Heritage District, designated in 2010 in order to
protect the historical character of this unique area. Also, in
2010 Council directed that the Town’s original post office at
10184 Yonge Street be saved and refurbished in support of our
vision for a more vibrant downtown. In late 2011 and 2012,
the exterior of the building was restored to its original state,
highlighting its unique architectural and historical features.
A Sense of Identity and Place
Our Strategic Plan also seeks to develop a sense of identity and
place. This includes a robust built and natural environment,
and an active community. To achieve these, Richmond Hill
has invested in unique places, including $5.2 million in
heritage building restoration projects such as the Eyer
Homestead and the George Forster House and Barn.
We have also partnered with the federal and provincial
governments to invest over $6.2 million in the rehabilitation
of both Bond Lake Arena and Elgin Barrow Arena. We have
invested in the natural environment through the creation of
the Lake Wilcox Park on the shores of Lake Wilcox.
Heritage Village Day
Participants at Town Events
66 000
64 000
62 000
60 000
58 000
56 000
54 000
52 000
2009 2010 2011
Town Event Attendance
Includes: Canada Day, Concerts in the
Park, Crosby Park Fair, First Night,
Santa Claus Parade, Tastes of the Hill,
Family Day, Doors Open, Heritage Centre,
Moonlight Movies
Town event attendance is another indicator of vibrancy.
The Town of Richmond Hill organized 21 community events
in 2009 and 23 in 2011, each one an opportunity to showcase
and celebrate Richmond Hill’s unique places.
24
Richmond Hill’s Original Post Office