Strong Towns Richmond Hill (STRH) members gathered for their regularly scheduled monthly meeting, held on the second Sunday of the month at 12:00 PM. The session maintained its focus on community initiatives and upcoming engagement opportunities.
New Informal Social Gathering Announced
A key item discussed was the launch of a new informal social meetup series beginning this month. The first gathering will take place:
Wednesday, February 25 – 7:00 PM
Location: King Henry’s Arms Pub
The get-together is designed as a relaxed, drop-in style event where members can socialize outside the structure of formal meetings. Attendees are welcome to bring friends, and conversation topics are open — ranging from Strong Towns principles to general community interests. The goal is to strengthen relationships and create a welcoming entry point for new participants.
Member Project Update – Zidan
New STRH member Zidan presented an overview of several projects he is currently developing:
- GIS Street Safety Mapping:
Zidan is building Geographic Information System (GIS) maps analyzing street safety conditions for both cyclists and pedestrians across Richmond Hill. The project aims to visualize risk areas, infrastructure gaps, and safer route options. - Walkability Article:
He is also preparing a written piece examining walkability in Richmond Hill, expected to explore urban design, accessibility, and opportunities for improvement in the town’s public realm.
Media & Public Engagement Discussion
Members discussed expanding the project’s reach through alternative media. One idea gaining traction was producing an audio interview format focused on the GIS mapping work — explaining:
- How the maps are created
- What data is used
- How residents can interpret and apply the findings
- Why street safety mapping matters for everyday mobility
This format is intended to make the information more accessible to the general public and broaden community awareness.
Multilingual Outreach Initiatives
Members were also informed by Saeed that STRH’s Persian-language podcast is currently in production and will be launching soon. The initiative aims to engage different communities in Richmond Hill in languages that feel more relatable and culturally accessible.
Building on this goal, members discussed the possibility of recording additional audio discussions in languages spoken by other large local communities — including Cantonese and Mandarin — and sharing this content across social media platforms to further spread the Strong Towns message and encourage broader civic participation.
From Ideas to Action
The group also held a conversation on strategies to translate discussions and concepts into tangible, on-the-ground outcomes. This included exploring ways to:
- Prioritize actionable projects
- Increase member participation in initiatives
- Strengthen partnerships and community awareness
- Ensure research and media efforts lead to practical improvements
Next Regular Meeting:
Second Sunday of next month, 12:00 PM.