Richmond Hill — November 26, 2025
Richmond Hill Council covered a wide slate of community-focused items at its Wednesday morning meeting, ranging from local traffic concerns to multi-million-dollar housing incentives.
Mayor David West opened the session by presenting the 2025 William F. Bell Young Entrepreneur Award to Tania Pouzeshvaran, founder of The Protein Pastry. Joined by members of the Bell family, Pouzeshvaran was praised for her dedication in building a successful, health-focused bakery business through the Ontario Summer Company program.
Council also received an update from Metrolinx officials on the Yonge North Subway Extension (YNSE). Representatives outlined ongoing early works, recent public open houses, and the launch of a new High Tech Road community office aimed at keeping residents informed. Councillors thanked Metrolinx for the update and ongoing collaboration.
Traffic Regulation Debate Draws Resident Concerns
The meeting’s only delegation came from Brian Chapnik of Arnold Crescent, who urged Council to delay new parking restrictions proposed for his street. Chapnik raised concerns about the consultation process and requested a dedicated public meeting with Transportation staff before any changes move ahead.
Council later voted to refer the Arnold Crescent and Highgrove Crescent parking proposals back to staff for additional consultation, with reports expected in 2026. Other speed limit reductions and traffic control measures across the city were approved, and associated by-laws were enacted.
City Events and Council Spending Policies Under Review
A staff report on Member of Council Events led Council to abolish the previous 2021 policy and approve a new Council Member Fundraising and Event Policy. Staff will also incorporate at least four new City-run events into the upcoming Festivals and Events Strategy, using existing resources.
Council further directed the Treasurer to return with a revised Council Expense Policy, following a routine review and public correspondence on the matter.
Nearly $20 Million in Affordable Housing Incentives Approved
One of the most significant decisions of the morning was Council’s approval of up to $19.78 million in grants under the Community Improvement Plan for Affordable Housing and Sustainable Design. Funding will support projects at:
288 Major Mackenzie Dr. E. (Richmond Hill Ecumenical Homes)
189 Vogell Rd. (Mon Sheong Foundation)
9700 Yonge St. (9700 Yonge GP Inc.)
Final grant amounts will depend on agreements and property assessments, with the City’s Housing Accelerator Fund serving as the primary funding source.
Winter Carnival Gets Go-Ahead for Heated Stage
In response to a request from the Richmond Hill Winter Carnival Committee, Council directed staff to provide a heated stage for the 2026 carnival and to cover any reasonable additional costs.
Library Board Vacancy Filled
In a brief closed session, Council appointed Jacqueline Spence to the Richmond Hill Public Library Board for the remainder of the 2022–2026 term.
The meeting concluded at 11:09 a.m. after approval of several procedural and administrative by-laws.