Richmond Hill’s Committee of the Whole met this week to debate a wide slate of policies ranging from council event rules to affordable housing incentives, while also hearing from a Winter Carnival organizer seeking support for the city’s flagship winter festival.
Winter Carnival Co-Chair Makes Pitch for 2026 Stage
The meeting opened with a delegation from Winter Carnival Co-Chair Doug Elliott, who urged the City to approve the use of the BC mobile stage for the 2026 event. His remarks came ahead of a later agenda item formally acknowledging related correspondence.
Council Eyes Overhaul of Event Policies
Under agenda item 11.1, councillors voted to repeal the City’s 2021 event policy and move ahead with a new Council Member Fundraising & Event Policy.
The updated rules aim to standardize how elected officials host community events, particularly those involving fundraising. Staff also outlined a long-term plan to phase in four new City-run events as part of an upcoming Festivals & Events Strategy, signalling a broader refresh of Richmond Hill’s civic programming.
Expense Policy Overhaul Coming
Members also directed the Treasurer to return with a fully revised Member of Council Expense Policy (11.2). The current framework is set for an update to clarify spending rules, transparency requirements, and reimbursement standards.
Traffic Rules Update: Speed Limits, Parking, and Controls
A significant portion of the agenda focused on traffic regulation changes (11.3).
Council approved a series of updates including:
Setting 40 km/h speed limits on select city roads
Revising parking regulations
Updating stop signs and traffic control measures
Three associated by-laws were enacted to formalize the changes. The measures reflect an ongoing push to improve neighbourhood safety and respond to resident concerns about speeding and congestion.
Nearly $20 Million Approved for Affordable Housing
One of the major decisions of the night came under item 11.4, where the committee approved up to $19.8 million in grants through the Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan (CIP).
The funding will support three projects located on:
Major Mackenzie Drive East
Vogell Road
Yonge Street
Council also authorized staff to execute the required agreements and manage the incentive program. The move represents one of the City’s most substantial recent commitments to increasing affordable housing supply.
Winter Carnival Stage Request Received
Later in the session, councillors received correspondence related to the use of the BC mobile stage for the 2026 Winter Carnival (11.5). While no final decision was rendered, the acknowledgment keeps the request active as preparations begin for the long-running community celebration.