Greetings!

Welcome to my April E-newsletter and welcome to Spring! 

I hope you enjoy all the info and photos in this month’s edition! 

For all your daily & ongoing Ward 5 and greater Richmond Hill content:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/karencilevitz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/councillor_cilevitz

Other events and information you might need all contained right here at your fingertips in this e-newsletter:

 • Local events and interesting places to visit 

 • All Council, and Committee meeting dates for the month

 • Latest news and updates 

 • A peek into my daily travels as I work on your behalf for our Ward and city

 • Things to do in Ward 5 and beyond including Notable Local Events

During the first week of every month, should you be signed up to receive my e-newsletter emails, my monthly e-news will be delivered directly to your inbox. The monthly e-newsletters will also be uploaded to my Councillor website & social media pages for all to easily access, convenient links located at the bottom of this page. 

Should you receive my e-newsletters but you don't wish to be subscribed, please click on the safe "Unsubscribe" link at the bottom of the e-news page. 

I hope you're enjoying our e-newsletter delivered directly to your inbox - Thank you for being my partner in all city activities for the past 12 years, it is my pleasure to serve all Ward 5 residents!

Here’s to Spring and all things warm and sunny!

Best regards,

Karen 



Email: karen.cilevitz@richmondhill.ca

Call/Text: 416.806.7582

Council and Committee Meetings - April 2026

Committee of the Whole: Wednesday, April 1 (9:30 am - 12:00 pm)

Heritage Richmond Hill: Thursday, April 2 (3:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

Council Meeting: Wednesday, April 8 (9:30 am - 12:00 pm)

Committee of Adjustment: Thursday, April 9 (7:00 pm - 10:00 pm)

Committee of the Whole: Wednesday, April 15 (9:30 am - 12:00 pm)

Accessibility Advisory Committee: Thursday, April 16 (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

Council Meeting: Wednesday, April 22 (9:30 am - 12:00 pm)

Committee of Adjustment: Thursday, April 23 (7:00 pm - 10:00 pm)

Join us for another evening of vocal musical magic as Councillor Cilevitz once again presents Voices From The Hill - A Songs from The Hill Production, on May 24th at 7:00 pm, in the Lexus Richmond Hill Hall at the Richmond Hill Centre For The Performing Arts. 

If weather permits, we will also have the use of the adjoining outdoor piazza for extra seating and enjoyment! 

You won't want to miss the sounds of York Region's very own Chorus York choir, as well as the a capella quartet stylings of Beverley Street Group. 

  •  Admission is free, all ages

  •  SEATING SPACE IS LIMITED - Arrive early to secure yours and avoid disappointment! 

Donations for both of our charity beneficiaries of non-perishable food items and/or cash are welcome evening-of -- All proceeds raised after event-costs go directly to support the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank and 360Kids.

Thank you for your support! 

Songs from The Hill:

https://www.songsfromthehill.com/

Chorus York:

https://www.chorusyork.ca/about-us/

Beverley Street Group:

https://beverleystreetgroup.com/

Richmond Hill Community Food Bank:

https://www.richmondhillcommunityfoodbank.ca/

360Kids:

https://www.360kids.ca/

Thank you to all who attended our Ward 5 Civic Engagement Committee meeting on Thursday, March 26!

An informative presentation was provided by city staff Ann Marie Farrugia and Joanne Armstrong on the City's Urban Forestry Programs & Services.

The video of the meeting can be accessed here on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CouncillorCilevitz

Richmond Hill Property Tax Portal

Easily and securely manage your account at Richmond Hill’s new Property Tax Customer Portal!

Check your Property Tax account balance, update property information, order tax documents, make payments, sign up for e-billing to go paperless, and much more. 

Sign up now at:

propertytax.richmondHill.ca



Senior Tax Grant



Eligible Richmond Hill seniors can now apply for their Senior Tax Assistance Grant online.  



Apply today at: RichmondHill.ca/SeniorTaxGrant

To learn more, please visit: richmondhill.ca/greening

To learn more, please visit: richmondhill.ca/resilientrh

To learn more, please visit: richmondhill.ca/whatgoeswhere

To learn more, please visit: richmondhill.ca/waste

To learn more, please visit: york.ca/circulareconomy

To learn more, please visit: richmondhill.ca/wildspaces

To learn more, please visit:

richmondhill.ca/stormwater

To learn more, please visit:

richmondhill.ca/oakwilt

WANT NO JUNK MAIL?

• Simply click on the image above
• Copy/Paste
• Print
• Tape securely to your mailbox/supermailbox door
• Voila - No Junk Mail! 

Blue Box Program Changes:

As of January 1, CIRCULAR MATERIALS manages residential recycling in Ontario, including Richmond Hill.

Your collection day and blue box remain the same, please refer to the Waste Management Calendar.

All recycling customer service inquiries (i.e. missed collections, blue box replacements) must now be directed to MILLER WASTE not the City:

Phone: 1-855-752-3762 

Email: area10@millerwaste.ca

• For all your Blue Box info, please click here
• For all your 2026 Waste Management Calendar info, please click here
• For your complete RH Waste Management info, please click here

Earth Month

April is Earth Month, a time to celebrate our natural environment and come together to protect it.  We've got fun, interactive eco-themed events and initiatives for the whole family! 

For all your Earth Month activities, please visit: https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/things-to-do/earth-month.aspx

Yard Waste

Yard waste includes leaves, pine cones, fallen fruit, tree/shrub clippings, weeds, flowers, pumpkins, clean straw and dried corn stalks. Soil, sod and grass clippings are NOT ACCEPTED by the city's waste management collectors. 

Please do not rake or blow leaves onto the road. Bag or bin them and place them at the curb for collection. 

See all your Collection guidelines below:

https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/living-here/Yard-Waste.aspx

Attending the Richmond Hill Board of Trade’s Annual Business Awards Gala - March 2, 2026

Inspiring evening in conversation with the Honourable Melanie Joly, Federal Minister of Industry, and former MP Leah Taylor Roy, Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill - “Women Who Lead” - held in Aurora, celebrating upcoming International Women’s Day on March 8 - March 6, 2026

Was thrilled to be a Guest Speaker on Marj Andre's Tuesday's Connecting the Community webcast, discussing matters Ward 5, upcoming events and responding to any questions or concerns regarding municipal issues - March 17, 2026

Official Opening of the beautifully newly renovated Imagine Cinemas Elgin Mills located at 10909 Yonge Street, off Yorkland north of Elgin Mills - March 26, 2026

Celebrating the Carefirst organization’s 50th Anniversary, caring for York Region’s senior community and raising funds for their now-under construction location for the Richmond Hill Campus of Care Long Term Care Facility - Saturday, March 21

Mayor David West’s 10th Annual Maple Syrup Festival - March 28, 2026

Richmond Hill Clean Up, Green Up Weeks

You can help give Richmond Hill a spring cleaning during Clean Up, Green Up Weeks! 

From April 20 to May 4, residents, businesses, community groups and schools are encouraged to come together to help pick up litter that has accumulated over the winter months in parks, trails, on boulevards and in open spaces. 

The City will provide registered participants with gloves and garbage bags and arrange for collection of the filled bags. 

To register, please click here: https://forms.richmondhill.ca/Web-Forms/Clean-Up-Green-Up-Weeks

Registration closes April 6 at 11:59 p.m.

For the Ward 5 Clean Up, Green Up event, please see the poster and details below under the Ward 5 Events section!

Planning Sunny Days at Lake Wilcox? 

We’ve got you covered! Richmond Hill residents can get a FREE 2026 Lake Wilcox parking permit (one per household, some exceptions apply).

Please Note: Pay parking at Lake Wilcox Park is in effect from April 1 to September 30 every year. 

To obtain your Lake Wilcox Parking Permit: https://richmondhill.aimsparking.com/

Help us make Richmond Hill more Bird Friendly - Join the Bird Team! 

To find out more, please click here:

https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/learn-more/birds.aspx

Richmond Hill Passport to Culture



Richmond Hill Passport to Culture is a year-long cultural adventure inviting residents and visitors to explore Richmond Hill’s arts, heritage, and culture scene. 

From galleries and festivals to hidden gems and the David Dunlap Observatory, participants collect digital stamps by visiting cultural sites and events across the city. 

Complete your passport for a chance to win a City of Richmond Hill Cultural Prize Pack and discover just how much culture there is to explore in Richmond Hill!

How it works: 

• Visit a participating site, event, or program.

• Scan the QR code on-site using your phone.

• Collect your stamp instantly.

• Plan your Culture Adventure: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1yaCKkfkZsygh7u97eMX_P0pv_oTIQpY&usp=sharing (On PC Only)

• Complete your passport by December 1, 2026 to be eligible to win!

Start your Passport to Culture here:

https://www.passporttoculture.ca/login

Spring Program Registration is now open!

To register for all city spring programs, please click here

Browse Our Summer Camps and Build Your Wishlist!

Registration for our Richmond Hill-run Summer Camps is now open!

Start building your wish list now and get your child(ren) set for an unforgettable summer adventure, designed to help you quickly find the information you need all in one place and to learn more about what makes our camps such a great experience for kids.

To find the perfect city-run camp for your child/ren, or to be placed on a wait list, click here

Richmond Hill offers a wide variety of programs for adults 55 and older from sports to fitness, technology to arts and more - You can choose to participate in drop-in programs and/or our programs that require registration.

For all your Adults 55+ programs and related info:

Summer Company Intake at SBEC Now Open! 

Know of a full-time student aged 15-29 that wants help to fund and run their own business this summer? 

Richmond Hill’s Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) can help!

Encourage them to apply to our Summer Company program where they can get training, mentoring and a grant of up to $3,000 to fund their summer business.

Applications are due May 13th - Click here to apply!

For all your SBEC Seminars, Events & Webinars:
https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/business/SBEC-Seminars-and-Events.aspx

Shop Local - Support your local small businesses in Richmond Hill:

https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/shop-local.aspx

Life Beyond Earth - A DDO Speakers Night

Date: Saturday, April 11

Time: 8:00pm

Location: David Dunlap Observatory, 123 Hillsview Drive, Richmond Hill



To register, please click here

For all RH DDO programs and special events:

https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/learn-more/ddo-programs.aspx#Astronomy-Family-Nights

Spring Program Registration is now open!  

Registration for RHPL March and April programs is now open, and spring at the library is packed with can’t-miss programs for all ages - From March Break fun to practical tax help and garden favorites, there’s lots to look forward to for all ages!



To read the March-April 2026 Program & Resource Guide, please click here

Celebrate Earth Day with us at the Richmond Hill Public Library! 

Dive into hands-on, eco-friendly fun for the whole family including workshops; e-bike & e-scooter demos; kids’ crafts; live music; eco-booths; games and prizes.

To learn more or to register for a workshop:

RichmondHill.ca/EarthDay

Looking for help to file your personal income taxes - The library can help! 

To get started, join one of the upcoming tax workshops and learn what you need to know to file your taxes with confidence - Space is limited, you are encouraged to register in advance to reserve your spot:

 What You Need to Know About Tax: https://rhpl.bibliocommons.com/events/6980cd3bcbf6405d356610c9

 Make Tax Your Hero: https://rhpl.bibliocommons.com/events/69875a4394297d3600aaacd1

 Effective Tax Strategies: https://rhpl.bibliocommons.com/events/696fd0d4491b809c6f13f64c

Slay Your Taxes: https://rhpl.bibliocommons.com/events/69875c1c491b809c6f1843c0

If you’re looking for one-on-one support, you may be eligible for help at a community tax clinic if you have a modest income and a simple tax situation - New clinics are added regularly. 

A few local tax clinics are listed below - For the most up to date information on tax clinics near you, visit the Canada Revenue Agency website:

https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/community-volunteer-income-tax-program.html

Note: Before you visit a tax clinic, be sure to check for eligibility and bring tax slips, receipts, and a valid photo I.D. 

Richmond Hill Tax Clinics:

Carefirst Seniors & Community Services Association (seniors only):

Address: 420 Highway 7 E, Richmond Hill

How to access: Make an appointment by calling 416-646-5108

Languages: English, Cantonese, Mandarin

Richmond Hill YMCA Tax Clinic

Address: 12-10610 Bayview Ave, Richmond Hill

How to access: Make an appointment by calling 905-780-9622 or email ken.jiang@ymcagta.org or anoj.bhattarai@ymcagta.org 

Language: English

CCSYR Welcome Centre

Address: 31A-9325A Yonge St Richmond Hill

How to access: 

Make an appointment by calling Roya Soltani at 289-842-3155 or email Helen Samimi at hsamimy@ccsyr.org

Languages: English, Farsi, Mandarin, Ukrainian

We are very lucky to have two Richmond Hill Public Library branches located in Ward 5!

Besides studying and reading books, you can also attend the numerous events hosted in both the Central and Richvale branches throughout the year.

The Library's events are for all ages, from baby to adult!

Increase Biodiversity in Your Yard

The Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests Organization (LEAF) makes it easy to plant native shrubs, cedars and pawpaw trees on private properties to enhance biodiversity, brighten up your space and support native wildlife and pollinators.

Edible species provide a local food source in an urban environment, offering a great opportunity to promote food security and share with your community.

Harvest the urban forest, support native wildlife and get the most out of your backyard!

Native shrubs, cedars and pawpaws are available to residents of Toronto, York Region and some municipalities within Durham Region - To see a map of their eligible service areas:

https://www.yourleaf.org/files/2025.08.27_leaf_service_areas_map.pdf

For all your info about ordering shrubs, cedars and/or Pawpaws direct from LEAF:

https://www.yourleaf.org/shrubs-cedars-and-pawpaws

"Clean Up, Green Up Event", hosted by the Mayvern Area Residents Association

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

Time: 10 am to 12 pm

Location: Maplewood Park

To register: Please email patpollock67@gmail.com by April 20 and give the number of individuals in your household that will be attending.

Poetry Readings at Richvale Library 

You are cordially invited to hear four excellent authors read from their own written works on Tuesday, April 28th, 5:30-7:30pm, in the Auditorium of our neighbourhood Richvale Library, 40 Pearson Ave, Richmond Hill, at Scott Drive, just north of Charles Howitt Public School-Parking on-site. 

The Poetry Month theme for this event will be “Land and Sea.”

The presenting authors are Beverley Ellenbogen, Patricia Keeney, Carol Lipsyzc, and Daniel Scarcello. 

The event also features an Open Mic showcasing emerging local poets -

If you’re one, you are welcomed!

FUNDRAISING BAKE SALE, APRIL 4, 2026 

Forgotten Ones is holding a bake sale to celebrate the start of the spring season - Drop by Tru Pet between 10 am and 3 pm and pick up a selection of delicious, home-made baked goods!  In addition, check out Tru Pet specials on pet food and supplies.

Address: Tru Pet, 10520 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra presents ~ H20

Date: Saturday, April 4

Time: 8 PM

Location: Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, 10268 Yonge St, Richmond Hill

For tickets: https://tickets.rhcentre.ca/Online/default.asp

Richmond Hill Horticulture Society presents, Cutting Edge Plants for Cutting Edge Gardens

Date: Tuesday April 7

Time: 7:30 PM, doors open at 7 PM

Location: McConaghy Centre, 10100 Yonge Street, and on Zoom

To register: https://www.richmondhillgardensociety.org/event-6492581

York Regional Police Chorus Concert

Date: Sunday, April 12

Time: 7:00pm to 8:00pm

Location: Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church, 10066 Yonge Street.

Connecting the Community, at Delmanor

Date:  Saturday, April 25

Time: 1:30pm to 4:00pm

Location: Delmanor Elgin Mills, 80 Elgin Mills Road East

Fashion Show, hosted by Home on the Hill Supportive Housing

Date: Saturday, April 25

Time: 11am - 2pm

Location: St Mary's Anglican Church, 10030 Yonge Street.

To register, please click here

Walk for Hill House Hospice, Presented By Canso Investment Counsel Ltd

Date: Saturday, May 24

Time: 8:30 am to 12 pm

Location: Hill House Hospice:

36 Wright Street, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 4A1

To register: please click here

Richmond Hill Heritage Centre

Explore the galleries, exhibits and events that are available to the public at Richmond Hill’s own Heritage Centre located at 19 Church Street North, just east of our storied Yonge Street Heritage Core, in the Amos Wright Heritage House and Park.

Learn more about the Heritage Centre by clicking here

Free Energy Upgrades for Ontario Homes  

Save on Energy has teamed up for the Home Winterproofing Program and the Energy Affordability Program 

If your home and household income qualify, you may qualify for:

Basic upgrades:

• LED light bulbs 

• Smart power bars 

• Water-efficient faucets

• Weather stripping 

• Indoor drying racks

Comprehensive upgrades:

• Smart thermostats

• Energy-efficient refrigerators & freezers

• Window A/C units 

• Heat pumps 

These improvements can help make your home warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and more affordable to run.

Check if you qualify and start saving energy today:

https://saveonenergy.ca/For-Your-Home/Energy-Affordability-Program



www.enbridgegas.com/ontario/rebates-energy-conservation/home-winterproofing-program

Cleanup on Yonge Street, hosted by Climate Action Richmond Hill

Date: Saturday, April 4

Time: 10 AM - 12 PM

Location: Starting at the Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church, 10066 Yonge St