David West  
Richmond Hill Ward 4 Councillor 
Monthly Newsletter 

November 2017

 

 

 

 

 

Newsletter At A Glance
In this Issue





Contacting David 
Phone 
905-771-2480 

 

Mobile Phone 
416-346-3090

 

Mailing Address 
225 East Beaver Creek Richmond Hill L4B3P4

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My Bio




Important Phone Numbers 
 





 
 
Access Richmond Hill
905-771-8800





 
 
  
After Hours Town Emergency 905-884-8013





 
 
  
Animal Control
1-888-668-7722


 



 
  
Canada Post
905-773-5880





 
 
  
Enbridge Consumers Gas
416-447-4911


 



 
  
Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868


 
 



  
York Regional Police
905-773-1221


 



 
  
PowerStream
1-877-963-6900





 
 
  
Municipality of York
905-731-0201





 
 
 
Richmond Hill Libraries
905-884-9288 


 



 
 
Fire Department
905-883-5444


 
 



 
Inclement Weather Hotline
905-771-5487





 
 
 
Mackenzie Health Hospital
905-883-1212





 
 
 
Snowline (Snow Removal)
905-771-2525


 
 



  
  

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Building Community in our Community

What specifically does it mean when someone speaks about the great community in which they live? I am sure that, in part, they are describing all the built things in the neighbourhhood. They are almost certainly speaking about the houses on their street, the community centres, libraries, and parks.  However I also think they are likely speaking about the connections that exist between friends and neighbours - the people who live there - because a community is certainly not only about built things.

Working towards producing and maintaining these strong connections is really a grass roots activity, and it comes in many forms, and on many scales. "Richmond Hill Where People Come together to Build our Community" was the theme of a foundational document that was produced in Richmond Hill 8 years ago - Our Strategic Plan. Building community has been a focus of our Council now for many years as we grow as a Town. At a fundamental level this effort of community building has a great deal to do with building connections between people.

As always there is a lot going on in our Town that brings us together as a community. Below in this e newsletter I have outlined some of the upcoming  activities that are of particular interest. I hope that you will have a chance to partake in some of them. It is a great opportunity to get out and explore all that our community has to offer, meet neighbours, and enjoy the rich culture that we have in Richmond Hill.

I always appreciate hearing your comments about any issue in our community. Please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or email at any time. My email address is  [email protected] , my cell number is 416-346-3090 and my office number is 905-771-2480.

Sincerely,
David West 
Ward 4 Councillor Richmond Hill

Banner Photo - Beautiful photo and words by Ward 4 resident Jeffrey Thompson

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Council News and Highlights
  
1. Gladys McLatchy Memorial Garden
Have you ever noticed the beautiful garden at the north west corner of the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, near Wright Street? This masterpiece garden, that so many of us enjoy each summer, is the work of the Richmond Hill Horticultural Society. They do a great job on this garden and also the Millennium Garden at the Mill Pond as well. I was driving by the other day and this group of volunteers was hard at work putting the garden to bed for the winter. Thanks very much to the "Hort" volunteers for all you do beautifying our community!

2. The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell,  Lieutenant  Governor of Ontario
    Visits Richmond Hill 

Council and a number of community leaders were honoured to welcome her Honour Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario to Richmond Hill. We discussed Technology and Innovation with prominent Richmond Hill businesses - Cosmo Music, Hibar Systems Ltd., MobileLive, Mackenzie Health Innovation Institute, and Visual Defence. 

We also talked about Environmental Sustainability in our community with our Environment Staff and Mill Pond Splash Committee member and owner of  onrichmondhill.com, Marj Andre, as well as York Region Environmental Alliance president Gloria Marsh. After listening to the delegations, when asked by the media about her "impressions of Richmond Hill", her honour Elizabeth Dowdeswell said she was impressed with the "positive spirit about our path forward" in Richmond Hill.

3. Richmond Hill to Eliminate Vacant Unit Rebate Program
Council endorsed the elimination of the Vacant Unit Rebate program. The program, which was introduced by the Province of Ontario in 2001, provided a tax rebate to property owners of commercial and industrial buildings which were vacant for more than 90 days consecutively. The costs of providing the rebate were distributed between the three municipal taxing bodies (Richmond Hill, York Region and the Province re: education). After consultation with other municipalities and the business community/public, it was recommended that the program be eliminated for several reasons one of which is that the program is an exclusive benefit to the commercial and industrial property class and is significantly funded by the residential property class. Several other options were considered including phasing out of the program over several years, a reduction of the rebate amount, as well as funding realignment, increasing evidentiary requirements and retaining the status quo. It is expected that the savings for the Town due to the elimination of the program will be about $107,000 in 2018. The final decision falls to the authority of Regional Council. Their decision applies to the nine local municipalities and is expected in November. If approved, elimination of the program is expected to take effect January 1, 2018. Applications for 2017 vacancies would be considered until the end of February 2018.

4.  Plans for Programming at the David Dunlap Observatory Underway
Plans are in the works for the delivery of educational and public outreach programming at the David Dunlap Observatory (DDO). After a thorough review of the submissions received in response to an invitation for Expression of Interest and as approved by Council, Richmond Hill staff will proceed with negotiations with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and David Dunlap Observatory Defenders for astronomical programming at the property, Western University for summer science camp programming and the Ylab Group for the implementation of an adult Maker Space and Educational program. 

The Town will manage and maintain the property. This fits in with the DDO Park Master Plan that will soon transform the area into a 110-acre destination park in the GTA. The building and surrounding property have heritage significance and it has always been the Town's intention to protect it, as well as keep it available for public use. This is a much anticipated and popular destination for star gazers in Richmond Hill and beyond. It is envisioned that the Observatory will become a regional centre for education and public outreach related to astronomical research. 

For a Liberal newspaper article related to this subject click here. To learn more about the longer term plans for the DDO Park click here.

5. Dining out at Alexander Mackenzie High School...
You are likely looking at these photos and thinking "David went for lunch at a fine French Restaurant"  Well you are mistaken - I was recently invited to experience the excellent culinary creations from the Alexander Mackenzie High School Culinary Arts students. 

The meal was delicious, and another example of the creative and interesting high school programs that we have available in our community. Thanks to Vice Chair, York Region District School Board Corrie McBain for inviting Mayor Barrow and I to experience this "deliciousness!"
















6.  17 Amazing Restaurants You Need To Eat At In Richmond Hill
This is a great article promoting some of the excellent restaurants in our Town. A number of these restaurants are also located in our Historic Village Core and all are definitely worth a visit. I would also suggest that like any "best of list" we also have a number of other great places to eat in our Town that are not on this particular list. Click here to read the article.

7. Richmond Hill Concert Band and Richmond Hill Historical Society - Canada 150 through Music and Story Telling "Notes and Quotes" - October 22
Notes and Quotes was a trip through our history in Richmond Hill using words and music. I was pleased to see it was acknowledged that Richmond Hill's story began well before the first Europeans arrived a few hundred years ago. Our story began thousands of years ago with our Indigenous people that first inhabited Richmond Hill. 

Within the story of our town there is a controversy that was discussed in this presentation, related to the naming of Richmond Hill. Was the name changed from Miles Hill to Richmond Hill in respect of the Duke of Richmond, or was our town name inspired by the song The Lass of Richmond Hill? 

This song was written by Leonard McNally with music composed by James Hook, and was first publicly performed in 1789. Thanks to the Richmond Hill Concert Band and the Richmond Hill Historical Society for putting on such an interesting afternoon.

To listen to the Lass of Richmond Hill click here.

8. Designing a Good Community to Live In - October 30
I attended a fascinating lecture delivered by former Toronto Mayor John Sewell entitled Designing a Good Community to Live In - a very relevant topic for Richmond Hill. I came away realizing that many of the concepts he presented are captured in Richmond Hill's Official Plan which will guide our own community's growth in the future.

9. Ontario Chinese Artists Association Exhibition at Richmond Green -
    October 28
For the first time ever, the Ontario Chinese Artists Association displayed an exhibit of their work at the Boynton House, in Richmond Hill. I shared the pleasure and honour of welcoming them to Richmond Hill with Ward 3 Councillor Castro Liu. 

The OCAA group includes artists from all across the GTA, both young and old. A wide variety of traditional Chinese artwork was on display for our community to enjoy. To learn more about this group visit  www.ocaa.info/wp/.

10. Burr House Spinner & Weavers Guild
Th e Burr House Spinners and Weavers along with the Hill Potters' Guild, collaborated to facilitate the creation of a community tapestry to commemorate Canada 150. Members of the Spinners and Weavers Guild took portable looms to various community events, such as Doors Open, Park Openings, Canada Day, Ribfest, Tastes of the Hill, Culture Days and the Studio Tour.

People of all ages and cultures were encouraged to weave a section of the loom, using a variety of materials in Canada's red and white, and then sign one of the hundreds of ceramic buttons created by the potters.

The final product, along with a variety of other beautiful artwork is on display as a part of the Fire and Fibre exhibit at the Burr house Friday to Sunday, November 3 - Sunday, December 17 from 12:30 until 4:30. I really enjoyed the exhibit and would encourage everyone to go and take a look - art and culture is alive and well in Richmond Hill!  For more visit   informationburrhousefibrearts.com



  












11. Hindu Heritage Month Celebrations at Vishnu Mandir Temple
In celebration of the newly proclaimed Hindu Heritage Month, Richmond Hill's Vishnu Mandir Temple hosted a celebration of Hindu culture for our community to enjoy. Thanks for the invitation to share in some delicious food, good friends, and conversations with members of our community. If you have not already visited the Vishnu Mandir Temple I would encourage you to do so. The grounds are beautiful and full of beautiful artistic monuments. In addition, the Museum of Indian Civilization, located  on the  grounds, is well worth the visit. For more information visit  http://vishnumandir.com.













12 .  Remembrance Day 2017
Richmond Hill remem bered our many heroes and veterans on Sunday, November 5th, despite the rain, at our annual Remembrance Day parade and ceremony at the Richmond Hill Cenotaph. We remember the sacrifices made by those that came before us to protect the foundation upon which our community is built. We live in a great country - to achieve lasting and true greatness comes a commitment that we will remember and honour the sacrifices and lessons from the past. Lest we forget ...












13.  Double Threat
As a part of our Remembrance Day events in Richmond Hill, our Public Libra ry hosted a book talk by Ward 4 resident, and author Ellin Bessner. She spoke about her book, Double Threat. This book outlines the experience of Jewish Veterans during the second World War. It was a fascinating and moving talk that included remarks from a 94 year old Jewish Veteran, Mr. Chud. From the liner notes in this book - "As PM Mackenzie King wrote in 1947, Jewish servicemen faced a "Double Threat" - they were not only fighting against Fascism, but Jewish survival." For more information please visit https://ellinbessner.com/

14. Defiant Requiem - Holocaust Education Week in Richmond Hill
For the 9th year Richmond Hill partnered with Beit Rayim Synagogue and the Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre, to host a  relevant presentation  during Holocaust Education Week. This year we were treated to a fascinating film documentary called Defiant Requiem. Murry Sidlin, the film's producer,  recounts the story of how Rafael Schächter, a talented Czech-Jewish musician deported to Theresienstadt, worked to lead a performance of Verdi's Requiem inside the camp. For the 150 concentration camp inmates who performed the Requiem 16 times between 1943 and 1944, music was an act of spiritual resistance to the degradation thrust upon them by the Nazis.   


15. SEED of Victory Gala & Building Community in Richmond Hill
I had the honour of sharing the podium with Dr. 
Jean Augustine  at a talk during the 1st Annual SEED of Victory Gala. My speech was related to building a strong community in Richmond Hill. Dr. Augustine just celebrated her 80th birthday, and while she is retired as a Federal MP, she is clearly continuing her work to build our communities. It was great to hear her wise words on the subject of community, philanthropy, and international development. Given her  long  and storied career as a public servant I told her I felt a little like the Opening Band for the Rolling Stones!
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Ward 4 Development Applications - Update 

There are a number of development applications active in Ward 4 that continue to generate significant interest from residents.  This newsletter section is intended to keep everyone informed and updated about the status of these applications. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all active development applications in the ward, but a brief synopsis of select applications. Information that is new since the last newsletter is marked as "**NEW**" Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you have questions about applications described below or questions about an application that is not included here. 

1. 44, 48,54 and 60 Arnold Cres.  
This development application was appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) by the applicant. The hearing wrapped up in March and a decision from the OMB will be expected soon. 

2. 129, 133, 141 Arnold Cres and 230 Major Mackenzie Dr. W.  
This property is owned by The Acorn Development Corporation.  At this time the developer is in the later stages of completing an application for  redevelopment of this site .  I will host a meeting for the neighbourhood residents as soon as any plans by the developer have been finalized and an application has been submitted to our Planning Staff. I have been informed that this meeting may happen as early as this fall. Please stay tuned to this e newsletter for more information as it becomes available.

3. Canyon Hill and Yonge St 10922, 10944 and 10956 Yonge St. & 47 and 59 Brookside Road and 12 and 24 Naughton Drive
The above properties are both located within the Key Development Area (KDA) located near Yonge St. and Bernard Dr. At the present time our Planning staff, along with many engaged citizens and stakeholders are continuing to work toward the creation of a Secondary Plan for the KD A. The Secondary Plan  will help ensure that development in the area meets the standards of municipal and provincial policy such as Richmond Hill's Official Plan, York Region's Official Plan, and Ontario's Growth Plan. 

Richmond Hill is preparing the Planning Study and Yonge/Bernard Key Development Area Secondary Plan and Implementing Zoning By-law. To date we have held two public input sessions as well as a Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting related to the creation of a Secondary Plan for this area. 

There was a well attended Council Public Meeting on November 1st. Many Ward 4 residents spoke at this meeting and expressed a number of concerns. They suggested some possible solutions to make the plan better. All of this input was be sent back to our Planning Staff for consideration. A final report on this KDA will come to Committee of the Whole for a discussion on November 20th at 4:30 and then for Council's consideration on November 27th at 7:30PM at the Council Chambers at 225 East Beaver Creek Road.

For up to date information on the Yonge/Bernard KDA project, please visit the KDA study webpage at  http://www.richmondhill.ca/bernardKDA . For a link to the latest staff report related to this Secondary Plan please click here and scroll to the Yonge Bernard KDA Secondary Plan in the list.

4. 100 Mill St.
At the Council Public Meeting held on October 25th, 2016 a zoning bylaw amendment application was considered by Council in order to provide relief from the current zoning bylaw governing building at 100 Mill St. The applicant applied to sever the existing lot and create two homes on the two proposed lots. A number of residents attended the meeting and/or expressed their concerns to me in writing primarily about the size and height of the proposed buildings. All comments from this meeting were referred back to planning staff. 

The applicant recently provided to our Planning Staff, a resubmission in response to comments made by staff and the public. The resubmission was received on August 1, 2017, and appears to address some of the concerns regarding the original submission. Staff is currently in the process of reviewing the new submission material and will continue working with the applicant, providing any further input as required.

5. 35 Wright St.
The proposed application at 35 Wright St. seeks to amend the Zoning By-Law to permit a 6 storey office building to be constructed on the subject lands. 

I hosted a Residents' Meeting in February, where public input was gathered. The next step in this process was a Council Public Meeting held in March. Several residents expressed their views related to the proposal. I am particularly concerned about the lack of parking in the plan and the height of the proposed building. Our Planning staff will take away all of these comments and continue the planning process. In the future a staff report will come to Council with a recommendation regarding the application.

One of the notable features of this property is the listed heritage building that exists on the property. Before any development permissions that would include the removal of a heritage listed building would be granted, it is a requirement that the heritage listed property be assessed by our Heritage Planning Staff. This assessment would then include a recommendation by staff to either allow the building to be demolished, or a recommendation to designate the building under the Planning Act as a Heritage building. Designation under the Planning Act would negate any possibility of demolishing the building. 

On September 12th, 2017 the Heritage Richmond Hill Committee (HRH) considered a staff report, and endorsed a recommendation from our Heritage Planning staff that the house be designated and not allowed to be removed. This recommendation will need to be passed by Council at a future Council Meeting. This is a significant step, because if the existing Heritage building is designated, the original proposal submitted by the applicant will not be possible. However, a proposal that works to incorporate the existing building into a redevelopment may be possible. 

I will keep residents informed of next steps and the date for a future Council meeting related to this application when it becomes available. Click here for a link to the HRH staff report.

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Snow Removal News and Notices

For Winter Maintenance Activities Update click on this link 
https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/our-services/Snow-Removal-News-and-Notices.aspx?_mid_=121.   
 
You can also call our Inclement Weather Hotline at 905-771-5487 for information about Richmond Hill's recreational programs and facilities during winter events.
  
 
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A Good Sign for Village Core Revitalization

Current Wayfinding Signage in the Village Core

Some examples of Wayfinding Signage from other Municipalities

On November 27th, council will consider a new Wayfinding Signage Strategy for Richmond Hill's Village Core as a part of the 2018 Capital Budget. Included in this initiative will be the design of new entrance features and wayfinding signage. Also included, will be the design and placement of more effective signs denoting available parking in the village. I have been supportive of this strategy because I believe, when executed, it will take us one more step towards a vibrant and  revitalized  historic village core area of our Town. I believe this goal is important for our community.

The town has already completed a number of investments aimed at revitalizing all town owned properties and assets. We have  revitalized  a number of municipal properties in the Village Core (most notably the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, Ransom Park, the Old Post Office and the McConaghy Centre) and Council also recently passed the Downtown Secondary Plan outlining how private landowners may revitalize and redevelop their properties while protecting any heritage buildings (to view this document click here).

The above photos are examples of signs currently existing in our Village Core and below that, examples of signs in other Village Cores. If approved staff will recommend a new more unified and effective look to our signage and ultimately install these new signs. The sign strategy is the last in a long list of efforts that the Town has made to work towards  revitalization in this important area of our Town. For more information about the Wayfinding Strategy click here. 

To further assist with revitalization efforts, and in conjunction  with the above Wayfinding Strategy, Council will also consider the proposed Community Improvement Plan (CIP). This plan will also be considered at Council on November 27th. The CIP strategy includes a suite of incentives for developers to build office space in our Business parks and along the Yonge St Corridor, and also provides incentives for beautification of privately owned buildings in certain areas of the Town. 

Of particular interest is the Facade Improvement program embedded in the CIP. This program can be another incentive for private land owners in areas like the Village Core, to improve their properties and thus contribute to Village Core revitalization. For more information on the CIP please click here.

There are a number of other benefits to the community that will result from this plan, including more Office Development in our employment areas, thus producing more employment opportunities for residents. Office incentives are an important part of the plan as it will spur further economic development in our community. 

These two separate but related programs, will help move us forward to create a more vibrant community.

To read more about Downtown Core Revitalization please click here.

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NOTICE OF CONSTRUCTION
WATERMAIN REPLACEMENT
 
Work has commenced on Trench Street from Major Mackenzie Drive to Mill Street; Laverock Avenue from west limit cul-de-sac to Lucas Street. This work will entail waterman replacement.
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50th Annual Winter Carnival - Save the Date

The Richmond Hill Winter Carnival is a proud community tradition and it celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2018 (#50yearsofwinterfun). On February 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, the Mill Pond Park will again host this great family focussed winter event. Our committee has been working hard for the past number of months to bring this community festival to life. To celebrate the 50th anniversary a number of new activities will be available, as well as the old favourites. I hope you save the date and join us to celebrate winter in our community! 

PS. The Winter Carnival will also have a float in the Santa Claus Parade on Saturday November 18th so please come and cheer us on!
 
Creating a World-Class Health Experience, 
One Room at a Time
 

I had the opportunity, as a part of the Mackenzie Health President's Advisory Council, to have a sneak preview of the new rooms proposed for the Mackenzie Health Vaughan Hospital. The rooms have been mocked up by the Vaughan hospital planning team to ensure that the design and layout is as efficient, functional, and user friendly as possible. Although the new Mackenzie Health Vaughan hospital is not located in Richmond Hill, it will be an important part of our community's health care infrastructure. 

I would encourage you to attend this event. It is an exclusive opportunity to see and walk the halls of the new Vaughan hospital. The hospital design team are genuinely looking for input to "design the new hospital through the eyes of the patient".

As you know if you have driven along Major Mackenzie Drive near Canada's Wonderland, the Vaughan Hospital is currently being built and is scheduled to be complete in 2020.

To learn more about the Mackenzie Health Vaughan hospital click here.





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Inspired to Help Monarch Butterflies
By now our Monarch butterflies have arrived in Mexico for the winter. During this past summer I held a very well attended BBQ and Monarch Butterfly Festival. Our invited guest was Monarch Butterfly expert, Carol Pasternak who delighted the audience with her knowledge of this species and some live Butterfly releases. 

 I received the following letter from a resident who took action after meeting Carol Pasternak at a Richmond Hill Garden and Horticultural Society Meeting.

Last summer at your BBQ, I introduced you to one of our Directors of the Richmond Hill Garden and Horticultural Society who had been raising Monarch butterflies in her home.  It was as a result of hearing Carol Pasternak speak at our meeting in July.

At that time, you expressed interest in reading her article with an eye to maybe including it in one of your newsletters.  Therefore, I have taken the time to make sure I had Board permission to share Susan's article from the last edition of The Garden Post.

Thanks for bringing Carol to your event and exposing so many people in Richmond Hill to her enthusiastic approach of respect for this precious insect.  We look forward to the declaration of Monarch Week again next year.

  
Santa Claus Parade is coming to Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill's Night Time Santa Claus Parade!  

Date: Saturday, November 18, 2017
Time: 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Route: Beginning at William F. Bell Parkway travelling south on Leslie Street ending at Performance Drive.

*Parade will take place regardless of inclement weather, please dress accordingly.
Richmond Hill's Santa Claus Parade brings the holiday spirit to life each year for spectators of all ages. This popular parade attracts thousands and features a number of diverse floats, walking groups and marching bands from in and around the community.  This year's theme is True North Strong and Free and participants will show off their civic pride while celebrating Canada 150.

For More information click here.

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PThe Secret Path
Walking Toward Reconciliation

On October 22nd Richmond Hill hosted an event aimed at promoting a discussion and action related to reconciliation with our Indigenous Community in Canada. A sell out crowd watched a screening of Gord Downie's Secret Path. We were honoured to have Gord's brother Mike Downie attend our event to introduce the film and speak about his recently deceased brother, and his work with Indigenous Communities. We also had the pleasure of hearing from a number of Indigenous Community leaders including Suzanne Smoke, Dr. Shirley Williams, and Duke Redbird who shared their experiences in Indian Residential Schools in Canada. After the event a candlelight vigil was held in the courtyard of the Theatre. M any other municipalities are having similar events and conversations! 

Proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Downie Wenjack Fund and The
Biindigen Healing and Art Centre.  I wanted to take the opportunity to thank my fellow committee members - Joel Clements, Marj Andre, Suzanne Smoke and Javed Khan for their hard work and commitment to making our country greater as we Walk Toward Reconciliation and embark on the next 150 years of Canada. 










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Village of Richmond Hill 
Business Improvement Area (B.I.A.)
Cafe and Restaurant Map


To view the map of Restaurants, Cafes & Bars 
within downtown Richmond Hill visit villageofrichmondhill.ca
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Arts Awards Richmond Hill



The Richmond Hill Arts Awards profile cultural success stories by recognizing artistic talent and community contribution to the arts sector in Richmond Hill.

Nominations are due December 7, 2017 by 4 p.m. 


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Great Things To See And Do Around Town

Looking for interesting things to do this month in our Community? Look no further - below is a listing of various community events that I would like to promote on behalf of the various organizers. For a complete listing please click on the links below. These links will take you to my website where the full details of the listing for each event can be found.

G rowing with Canada
As Canada celebrates the 150th anniversary of Confederation, let's look at how Richmond Hill has grown up.  Exhibit runs from February 25 - December 19, 2017 at the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre.  For more information click  here.
 









     
New Horizons Band of York Region
It's never too late - Learn music, make friends, have fun with active adults. Classes Mondays September - May...click here to learn more.




 






High Notes Avante Social - November 17

High Notes Avante Social at Pearl Piano in Richmond Hill on Nov 17th. High Notes Avante is a registered charitable organization using the power of words and music to raise the image of mental illness, educate and reduce social isolation for those touched by mental illness.For their story please click here. For ticket information please click here.  Tickets are free but necessary.  A donation is suggested and they are able to provide a tax receipt for donations above $25. 



RHPO 2017/18 Season
The Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra is celebrating its 10th anniversary. We have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with our audiences, while developing a very fine orchestra since 2008. The 2017/18 Season will feature a balance of new repertoire and answer requests from audience members to hear your favourites, recounting some of our special moments over the years. The 2017/18 Season celebrates the past and looks to the future, as we continue to explore our unique brand of entertainment that utilizes the magic of theatre to support each concert program of quality symphonic music, offering the best possible concert going experience. Click here for more.


Alexander Mackenzie High School
December 7 & 8
Musical theatre event of 2017 - Beauty and the Beast, at Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.  Tickets and information





RH Beading Artists - 7th Annual Beaded Art 
Show & Sale - Nov. 23-26
The chosen charity and beneficiary of this event is the R ichmond Hill Community Food Bank. Click here for more information.















Chorus York presents Top Hats and Tunes:  
A Program of Broadway Hits
Chorus York: Accompanied by the Bell's of St. Matthew's
Sunday, November 19, 3:00 p.m.

Thornhhill Presbyterian Church, 271 Centre St., Thornhill
Saturday, November 25, 8:00 p.m., St. Matthew's United Church,  333 Crosby Ave., Richmond Hill
 
Artistic Director, Stephane Potvin, Accompanist, Christina Faye.  Tickets online chorusyork.ca/concerts
Adults $25, Sr. & Students (with ID) $20, Family rates (matinee only)  www.chorusyork.ca    905-884-7922.  
Click here f or more.


Steppin' Out Productions presents Footloose - The Musical
Footloose is an amazing musical theatre experience. It is a rollicking musical production that is fun for the whole family.  It is based on a movie of the same name. 

S teppin' Out Theatrical Productions was formed 10 years ago and  has been performing at the RHCPA since it opened its doors 10 years ago. This company is the resident musical theatre company at RHCPA. Visit www.steppinout.ca  for more information.






Hill Potters Guild - Fall Pottery Sale
November 24-26
Visit their website at  hillpotters.ca . For more information click  here.








Mental Health First Aid - November 25-26 at Canadian Academy of Therapeutic Arts
One in three people will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime. As a result, this course was developed to help people provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health problem or is experiencing a mental health crisis. This 12 hour course teaches mental health first aid skills.
 
Saturday and Sunday November 25 and 26, 2017- 9 AM - 4:30 pm
LOCATION: CATA - Canadian Academy of Therapeutic Arts
120 Newkirk Road, Unit 12
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 9S7
FACILITATED BY: Susan Kagan and Jen Bromley
COST: $195.00 per person. Includes MHFA manual
One in three people will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime. As a result, this course was developed to help people provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health problem or is experiencing a mental health crisis. This 12 hour course teaches mental health first aid skills.
MHFA training will teach the participants to:
* Recognize the symptoms of mental health problems
* Provide initial help
* Guide a person toward appropriate professional help
* Provide help to prevent the mental health problem from becoming
more serious
* Reduce stigma towards those experiencing mental health problems
Who should attend?
Everyone can benefit from MHFA Canada training - members of the general public, teachers, health services providers, university students, emergency workers, frontline workers who deal with the public, volunteers, human resource professionals, employers, community groups.
To Register Contact:
Susan Kagan - [email protected]
416-458-0326


Burr House Artisans - Fibre & Fire  
Friday, Saturday & Sunday - November 3 - December 17.  For more information visit 
















Liona Boyd in Concert - with Richmond Hill United Church Chancel Choir - December 2nd


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Ward 4 Community Corner - Your Shot
If you have a great photo taken in Richmond Hill I would love to feature it here. Send it to me at [email protected] to be in next month's e-newsletter!

All photos below taken by Ward 4 resident and photographer, Chris Robart. All photos were taken in Ward 4 of 2017 Halloween Displays - very spooky!






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