Chan, Godwin
🏛 Incumbent
Godwin Chan is Richmond Hill’s Deputy Mayor and Regional and Local Councillor. First elected in 2006, his website highlights work in policing, education, public health, road safety, economic development, housing, transit, the David Dunlap Observatory, and age-friendly services. He holds law and public administration degrees.
Quick Policy Snapshot
| Gentle Density |
Support case-by-case after neighbourhood review
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|
|---|---|
| Parking Mandates |
Need more information
Q
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| Transportation |
Somewhat support in selected corridors
Q
|
| Public Safety |
Work more closely with York Regional Police on targeted patrols and crime-prevention information
Q
|
| Cutting Development Charges |
Support only if the city identifies replacement funding
Q
|
Detailed Policy Positions
Housing & Growth
Gentle Density
Position: Support case-by-case after neighbourhood review
Priority: Medium priority
Richmond Hill has adopted an Affordable Housing Strategy that provides a framework for implementation of actions set out in the Strategy.
Small Builders
Position: The City should treat small and large developers the same under the current process
Priority: High priority
Housing affordability is an issue that next Council must address as the proportion of Richmond Hill residents experience affordability issue is highest in York Region.
Growth Corridors
Position: Strongly support corridor-focused growth
Priority: Medium priority
Growth at transit-accessible corridors promotes use of public transit and helps to better control traffic volume
Permit Reform
Position: Support process improvements, but only if current review standards and staffing allow it
Priority: Not a priority
Housing projects, regardless of scale, have to meet the same assessment criteria, such as Ontario Building Code.
Parking Mandates
Position: Need more information
Priority: Low priority
The Province has taken a role in this issue.
Transportation & Streets
Transportation Choices
Position: Somewhat support in selected corridors
Priority: Medium priority
Sharing the roads to the extent possible as use of transportation means evolve over time.
Street Safety Design
Position: Support mostly near schools, parks, and seniors’ areas
Priority: Medium priority
The label of "dangerous" streets without providing the context make it difficult to provide an appropriate response.
Downtown & Main Street
Position: Somewhat support, while still backing major edge projects
Priority: Medium priority
A walkable business district would enhance residents to eat and shop local.
Public Safety
Public Safety
Position: Work more closely with York Regional Police on targeted patrols and crime-prevention information
Priority: Top priority
The results of the community survey undertaken by York Region show public safety is a top concern among residents. Increasing resources for policing and strengthening collaboration with York Region Police in modernizing engagement with community guide my answer.
CCTV Cameras
Position: Support targeted cameras in high-risk locations with strict privacy rules
Priority: Top priority
According to York Regional Police, the public safety cameras are an effective tool in helping with investigations and serving to deter crimes. There is a strict time period for keeping footage with safeguards in compliance with privacy rules.
Money & Services
Funding Growth
Position: Use a mix of taxes, fees, and development charges
Priority: Medium priority
There are Provincial pressures on this issue, particularly related to development charges in supporting growth.
Cutting Development Charges
Position: Support only if the city identifies replacement funding
Priority: Medium priority
Again, the Province is making changes that would affect local development charges.
Public Spaces & Environment
Public Spaces
Position: Somewhat support when funding allows
Priority: Medium priority
Supporting investment in public spaces to enhance amenities and community pride.
Environment & Resilience
Position: Somewhat support, depending on cost
Priority: Medium priority
Richmond Hill has made progress in climate control, and environmental stewardship. The City is known to be one of the Tree Cities.
Transparency & Engagement
Transparency & Engagement
Position: Strongly support more plain-language disclosure and voting records
Priority: High priority
Transparency promotes trust in local government.