Council in 90 Seconds
At its January 27 meetings, Richmond Hill council reviewed a proposed gas station redevelopment at Yonge Street and Weldrick Road and debated how the city should attract future employers. Councillors sent the gas station zoning request back to staff for further review, while the Economic Development Committee backed a strategy focused on high-density, job-rich employment uses rather than land-intensive developments.
Zoning Decision Deferred for Yonge and Weldrick Gas Station
A public meeting on January 27 considered a zoning bylaw amendment for a gas station redevelopment at the northwest corner of Yonge Street and Weldrick Road.
A representative for Suncor, the site owner, outlined proposed changes to the existing station, including the closure of the south-side exit, a reduction in the number of fuel pumps, and the addition of a drive-through A&W fast-food restaurant.
Councillors questioned the applicant on traffic circulation, site access, and the overall configuration of the redevelopment. Following the discussion, council voted to send the application back to city staff for further review, delaying a final decision on the zoning amendment.
City Pushes for Job-Dense Growth at Economic Development Committee
Later the same day, the Economic Development Committee received an update on Richmond Hill’s Investment Attraction Program, focusing on workforce development and international business recruitment.
Staff outlined efforts to strengthen education-to-employment pathways for local residents and to diversify the city’s investment strategy beyond North America. Particular emphasis was placed on outreach to European markets, including Germany, alongside continued success in attracting innovative firms from Asia, notably Taiwan.
The strategy prioritizes high-density employment uses—such as technology and healthcare—over land-intensive developments like data centres. Staff explained that while Richmond Hill may appear to have ample space, available employment land is in fact constrained.
When Councillor Shiu questioned the need for densification given existing land supply, staff responded that modern employers expect nearby amenities and mixed-use environments. As a result, the city is planning for compact, co-located employment areas that combine offices, services, and supporting uses.
Target sectors discussed included information technology and healthcare-related industries, informed in part by the Mayor’s recent visit to Germany and the Hannover Messe trade fair. Staff noted that land-use planning is being aligned to support these types of investments.
Responding to questions about whether the city could create new employment land, staff said this would be extremely challenging. Mayor West emphasized that while land creation is not realistic, increasing density on existing sites is achievable and essential. He stressed the importance of attracting businesses that employ the greatest number of people per hectare.
Several councillors asked whether the city encourages developers of commercial projects to build vertically. Staff confirmed that higher-density employment forms are a key part of the city’s long-term strategy.
One councillor questioned whether Richmond Hill is prepared to host the headquarters of a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer and why European firms such as BMW are targeted instead. Staff clarified that while the city actively markets itself to preferred sectors, final location decisions are made by the companies themselves.