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
Productive Partnerships
The Town works with other organizations and
levels of government on matters that are important
to Richmond Hill. We remain an active member
of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities
2 0 1 2 C O M M U N I T Y S U R V E Y
78% of residents feel diversity in
Richmond Hill is one of our strengths.
(FCM), which describes itself as “the national voice of municipal government… and represents the
interests of municipalities on policy and program matters that fall within federal jurisdiction.”
Two members of Council are active participants in FCM; one on the FCM National Board of Directors
and one on the Standing Committees on International Relations and Community Safety and
Crime Prevention. These opportunities for direct communication with the federal government
help our municipality highlight the importance of the community services we provide.
In addition to FCM, the Town advances many other partnerships that support the diverse needs
of our community including:
Continuing to advocate for the extension of the Yonge subway to Richmond Hill and working with
York Region in implementing rapid transit along Highway 7.
Active membership with the Global City Indicators Facility (GCIF), which “provides an established set
of city indicators… that allows for global comparability of city performance and knowledge sharing.”
Ongoing comment to the Province of Ontario on pending accessibility legislation (AODA standards).
Advocating for newcomers in partnership with York Region and the Community Partnership Council
through Council endorsement and support for the York Region Immigrant Settlement Strategy.
Continuing our Community Stewardship Program by partnering with five organizations in 2011 to
protect and enhance our natural areas. Our partners include: Evergreen; York Region; the Toronto
& Region Conservation Authority; Ontario Streams; and Ontario Stewardship Rangers.
Receiving a $1 million grant from the Ministry of Environment’s Showcasing Water Innovation Program
for the Rumble Pond Adaptive Stormwater Management Project.
A Common Connection: Protecting Our Environment
The environment is of primary importance to
the Town. In 2011, the Town created a new
Environmental Services Division, which
is responsible for providing leadership, direction
and management for our environmental policies
and programs, as well as integrating our green
initiatives into one coordinated strategy. The
Town’s focus is on air quality and climate change,
water resources, the natural environment, waste
management and sustainability. Public education
and engagement will be an important focus for
the new division as well as the development of
an Environmental Strategy.
2 0 1 2 C O M M U N I T Y S U R V E Y
95% of residents felt that environmental
protection of our community is important.
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Community Stewardship Volunteers