Richmond Hill — November 5, 2025
Richmond Hill’s Committee of the Whole convened Wednesday at Council Chambers on East Beaver Creek Road, addressing zoning matters, noise classifications, community initiatives, and a proposal aimed at improving access to life-saving equipment across the city.
The meeting opened with announcements from members of Council. Councillor Cilevitz thanked organizers of the recent Voices from The Hill event and marked Holocaust Education Week, urging continued efforts to counter antisemitism. Mayor West drew attention to Veterans’ Week and invited residents to attend the annual parade and ceremony on November 9. Councillor Cui spoke about the Break the Silence – Step in My Shoes Walk, emphasizing the need for stronger domestic violence prevention.
Council adopted the agenda with additional correspondence related to automated external defibrillator (AED) registration and approved a delegation request from Roberta Scott of AED Foundation Ontario. No declarations of pecuniary interest were recorded.
A brief presentation recognized Take Our Kids to Work Day, with Mayor West and City Manager Darlene Joslin welcoming Grade 9 students and highlighting opportunities within municipal government.
Scott later addressed the committee, underscoring the importance of AED registration, public awareness, and improved accessibility to increase survival rates in medical emergencies.
Two key planning items moved forward. A zoning by-law amendment for 181 and 187 Elgin Mills Road East, submitted by Yanpy Development Inc., was approved, permitting Residential Multiple Family One and Neighbourhood Mixed Use development with site-specific provisions. The related by-laws are scheduled to return to Council on November 26. Council also approved a Class 4 noise area designation for 11300 Yonge Street, a request from Schlegel Villages Inc. under provincial environmental noise guidelines.
One piece of correspondence was received, submitted by resident Sigmund Lee, commenting on the proposed AED motion.
In other business, Councillor DiPaola introduced a motion requiring all City-owned AEDs to be registered with AED Foundation Ontario and directing staff to promote public participation in AED registration. A procedural motion to refer the matter to Council without recommendation was defeated 0–8. The main motion passed unanimously.
As a result, Richmond Hill will proceed with registering AEDs in municipal facilities and will undertake public awareness efforts to encourage broader community involvement.