Lee, Sigmund
Sigmund Lee is a Richmond Hill Ward 2 council candidate and CPA/FCA with more than 30 years of experience in finance, auditing, oversight, and accountability. A longtime Richmond Hill resident, he has identified municipal spending, financial oversight, and taxpayer value among the issues of interest in his campaign.
Quick Policy Snapshot
| Gentle Density | Support case-by-case after neighbourhood review |
|---|---|
| Parking Mandates | Support modest reductions case-by-case |
| Transportation | Support improvements only if general traffic lanes/parking are mostly preserved |
| Public Safety | Work more closely with York Regional Police on targeted patrols and crime-prevention information |
| Cutting Development Charges | Support only if the city identifies replacement funding |
Detailed Policy Positions
Housing & Growth
Gentle Density
Position: Support case-by-case after neighbourhood review
Priority: Medium priority
I support appropriate gentle density where infrastructure, servicing, parking, drainage, and safety requirements can be met. Development should be compatible with the surrounding neighbourhood and include meaningful resident input. A one-size-fits-all approach is not appropriate; planning decisions should balance housing needs with community character and infrastructure capacity.
Small Builders
Position: The City should support small developers, but only in selected areas or under strict design rules
Priority: Medium priority
Richmond Hill's housing needs should not be met exclusively by large developers. Small local builders, homeowners, and community-based developers can play an important role in providing a wider range of housing options. However, approvals should be guided by clear design standards, infrastructure capacity, parking requirements, and public safety considerations. Development should be compatible with the character of surrounding neighbourhoods and include meaningful community input where appropriate. My focus is on responsible growth that expands housing choices while ensuring that infrastructure and services keep pace with development and that growth does not come at the expense of existing residents' quality of life.
Growth Corridors
Position: Prefer a balanced mix of corridor growth and gentle density
Priority: Medium priority
Richmond Hill should pursue a balanced approach to growth. High-rise and higher-density development is most appropriate in designated centres, transit corridors, and areas with the infrastructure and services to support it. At the same time, carefully planned gentle density can provide additional housing choices where it is compatible with existing neighbourhoods and supported by adequate infrastructure. Growth should be guided by sound planning principles, transportation capacity, servicing requirements, and community input rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. The goal should be to provide a range of housing options while protecting quality of life, ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with development, and maintaining the character of established neighbourhoods where appropriate.
Permit Reform
Position: Support faster permits, but not a fixed one-week target
Priority: Medium priority
Residents and businesses deserve a permit process that is efficient, predictable, and transparent. For straightforward applications that fully comply with applicable codes and requirements, the City should work to reduce unnecessary delays and improve processing times. However, I would not support an arbitrary approval target if it compromises proper review, safety standards, or due diligence. The focus should be on streamlining processes, improving accountability, leveraging technology where appropriate, and ensuring applicants receive timely decisions. Faster service benefits homeowners, small businesses, and builders alike, while maintaining the high standards residents expect. The goal should be efficient government that delivers results without sacrificing safety, quality, or public confidence in the approval process.
Parking Mandates
Position: Support modest reductions case-by-case
Priority: Low priority
Parking requirements should reflect the realities of each neighbourhood and development rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Richmond Hill remains a community where many residents rely on personal vehicles, and inadequate parking can create challenges for residents, businesses, and visitors. At the same time, there may be opportunities for modest adjustments in areas with strong transit access or unique site conditions. Any reductions should be considered carefully on a case-by-case basis, taking into account transportation options, neighbourhood impacts, business needs, and resident concerns. The goal should be practical planning that supports growth while maintaining adequate parking availability and minimizing spillover impacts on surrounding streets.
Transportation & Streets
Transportation Choices
Position: Support improvements only if general traffic lanes/parking are mostly preserved
Priority: Medium priority
I support improving transit connections, walkability, cycling infrastructure, and first/last-mile access where they can provide clear community benefits. However, Richmond Hill remains a community where many residents rely on personal vehicles, and transportation planning must reflect that reality. Improvements should be based on demonstrated need, sound planning, and community consultation, while minimizing impacts on traffic flow, parking availability, and local businesses. Where possible, new transportation infrastructure should be integrated into road reconstruction and redevelopment projects rather than creating unnecessary disruptions. The goal should be to provide residents with more transportation choices while maintaining efficient mobility for drivers, transit users, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Street Safety Design
Position: Support mostly near schools, parks, and seniors’ areas
Priority: High priority
Street safety should be guided by evidence, local conditions, and community input. I support targeted safety improvements where there are demonstrated concerns, particularly near schools, parks, seniors' facilities, and locations with a history of speeding or collisions. Physical measures such as improved crossings, traffic calming, and road design changes can be effective when appropriately planned. However, solutions should be practical, minimize unintended impacts on traffic flow and neighbourhood access, and be supported by meaningful consultation with residents. The goal is safer streets for everyone while maintaining mobility and accessibility throughout our community.
Downtown & Main Street
Position: Support both equally
Priority: Medium priority
Richmond Hill benefits from a diverse and balanced approach to economic development. Walkable main streets, local business districts, and community gathering spaces contribute to neighbourhood vitality and support small businesses. At the same time, larger commercial and destination projects can create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen the City's tax base. Rather than favouring one approach over another, the City should support economic development opportunities that align with community needs, infrastructure capacity, and long-term planning objectives. My focus is on encouraging sustainable growth, supporting local businesses, and ensuring that new investment enhances quality of life for residents across Richmond Hill.
Public Safety
Public Safety
Position: Work more closely with York Regional Police on targeted patrols and crime-prevention information
Priority: High priority
Public safety is a top priority for residents. While policing is primarily a regional responsibility, the City has an important role to play by working closely with York Regional Police, improving communication with residents, supporting crime-prevention initiatives, and identifying areas that require additional attention. Decisions should be guided by crime trends, resident feedback, and measurable results. Where technology is considered, appropriate privacy safeguards, transparency, and oversight must be in place. The City should also continue investing in well-maintained public spaces, lighting, and community awareness initiatives that help residents feel safe in their neighbourhoods. The goal is practical, evidence-based action that improves safety while respecting taxpayers and protecting individual privacy.
CCTV Cameras
Position: Support targeted cameras in high-risk locations with strict privacy rules
Priority: High priority
I support the targeted use of public safety cameras in locations where there is evidence of recurring crime, traffic safety concerns, or other public safety risks. Any expansion should be based on demonstrated need, measurable outcomes, and clear cost-benefit analysis rather than blanket deployment across the city. Strong privacy protections, data retention limits, public transparency, and independent oversight must be in place to protect residents' rights and maintain public trust. Cameras should be one tool among many, alongside cooperation with York Regional Police, crime prevention initiatives, improved lighting, and community education. The goal is to improve public safety and support investigations while ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and privacy is respected.
Money & Services
Funding Growth
Position: Use a mix of taxes, fees, and development charges
Priority: High priority
Richmond Hill must plan for growth responsibly and ensure infrastructure keeps pace with development. I support using a balanced mix of development charges, user fees where appropriate, prudent financial planning, and tax revenues to fund roads, parks, water systems, and other long-term obligations. New growth should contribute fairly to the infrastructure and services it requires, while existing taxpayers should not bear an unreasonable share of those costs. The City should also pursue available provincial and federal funding opportunities and, when financial conditions permit, build reserves to prepare for future needs and economic uncertainty. My focus is on long-term financial sustainability, maintaining essential infrastructure, and ensuring growth is planned responsibly.
Cutting Development Charges
Position: Support only if the city identifies replacement funding
Priority: High priority
Development charges help fund the roads, parks, water systems, and other infrastructure needed to support growth. While housing affordability is an important concern, broadly reducing or waiving development charges does not eliminate those costs, it simply shifts them to existing taxpayers or future budgets. I support ensuring that growth contributes fairly to the infrastructure and services it requires. Targeted incentives for affordable or non-profit housing may be worth considering where there is a clear public benefit and a sustainable funding plan. Richmond Hill must balance housing needs with responsible financial management, long-term infrastructure planning, and fairness to current residents.
Public Spaces & Environment
Public Spaces
Position: Somewhat support when funding allows
Priority: Medium priority
Parks, libraries, trails, community spaces, and urban trees contribute to a strong and healthy community. However, like households facing financial pressures, the City must prioritize essential services and core infrastructure when resources are limited. I support investing in public spaces where they deliver clear community benefits and can be funded responsibly, without compromising roads, water systems, public safety, or long-term financial sustainability. Whenever possible, the City should pursue grants, partnerships, sponsorships, and other funding opportunities to reduce costs to taxpayers. The goal is to maintain a high quality of life while ensuring that spending decisions remain affordable, practical, and fiscally responsible.
Environment & Resilience
Position: Somewhat support, depending on cost
Priority: Medium priority
I support practical environmental initiatives that provide clear benefits to residents, such as tree canopy protection, stormwater management, flood mitigation, and improving community resilience to extreme weather. However, these initiatives must be balanced with affordability and the City's other responsibilities. Like households managing a budget, the City must prioritize spending and ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely. Projects should be evaluated based on measurable benefits, long-term value, and overall cost. Whenever possible, Richmond Hill should pursue grants, partnerships, and external funding opportunities to help deliver environmental improvements while protecting taxpayers and maintaining essential municipal services.
Transparency & Engagement
Transparency & Engagement
Position: Strongly support more plain-language disclosure and voting records
Priority: Top priority
Residents deserve a City government that is transparent, accountable, and easy to understand. Council decisions, voting records, development proposals, major expenditures, and project trade-offs should be presented in clear, plain language so residents can make informed decisions and hold elected officials accountable. Transparency builds trust and encourages meaningful public participation. While confidential matters protected by law must remain confidential, the default should be openness whenever possible. I support improving public access to information, making Council decisions easier to follow, and ensuring residents can clearly see how and why decisions are made on their behalf.