Annual Report 2012 - Town of Richmond Hill

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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
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 One of the most dramatic indicators of Richmond Hill’s vibrancy is the rapid increase in attendance at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. Its ongoing strong ticket sales reflect the high value that Richmond Hill residents place on culture in our community. Town Event Attendance: RHCPA Ticket Sales 2009 9 297 2010 12 654 2011 14 507 Looking to the Future Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts Since 2009, the Town has put two key plans in place to facilitate a more vibrant Richmond Hill of the future. The first, our new Official Plan, sets the policies for the physical, social and economic growth of the community, and ensures that future development meets the needs of residents. The second, our Cultural Plan, provides a framework for the development of cultural resources in Richmond Hill over the next decade. The Civic Precinct Project began in 2011 with the aim of creating a vibrant “people place” in downtown Richmond Hill. This project will include a substantial community engagement element, allowing residents to help create a shared vision for this important public space. Members of the Richmond Hill Lawn Bowling Club 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 towards our goal of a has been positive. The implementation of the Cultural Plan will be critical to advancing this goal in the coming years. As reflected in the Cultural Plan’s vision statement, vibrancy in Richmond Hill is one of the underlying values that influence the plan’s goals and objectives. The Town’s progress in implementing the Cultural Plan will be reported to the community annually. The Town’s investment in heritage facilities and unique spaces has also increased the vibrancy of Richmond Hill as a community. The Lake Wilcox Park, when completed, will be a place where residents can enjoy protected and enhanced natural heritage features. The Civic Precinct Project is now well underway and will further contribute to our sense of identity by creating a vibrant place in the heart of Richmond Hill. 25
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Annual Report 2012 - Town of Richmond Hill

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